The 2023-24 season has largely not gone Barcelona’s way. A combination of injuries, poor form and inconsistent play saw them suffer a rough start to the season, handing arch-rivals Real Madrid a virtual head-start.
The UEFA Champions League was the only competition where they boasted a real chance of making a deep run, but their dream was crushed earlier this week in heartbreaking fashion after PSG tore them apart with an extra man.
Now out of all competitions, Barcelona return to action in La Liga where their chances of glory appear bleak as well. They take on Real Madrid on Sunday night at Santiago Bernabeu, but it is clear that the result midweek has dampened the excitement for El Clasico.
Of the two times they faced Real Madrid this season, Barcelona came out second-best on both occasions. With tomorrow’s game likely to be Xavi’s final Clasico as a Barcelona manager, it remains to be seen if the team can turn that around.
Barça Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Real Madrid vs Barcelona.
Snapping back to reality
Everyone had Barcelona progressing past PSG in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. The Catalans were the bookies’ favourites, the dressing room seemed confident and it all added up to a positive atmosphere before the game.
What unfolded on the night, thus, was utterly devastating. Losing a game when outplayed is difficult, but losing after dominating because of a single poor decision brings a whole new world of pain.
The Clasico, in that respect, could not have come at a worse juncture. Xavi’s dressing room will likely be at their lowest, and facing Real Madrid at this point is the last thing the manager would have hoped for.
Barcelona’s test at Santiago Bernabeu tomorrow, thus, will be as much mental as it will be sporting. The Catalans are yet to win a Clasico this season, and there would be no better time than now.
The question, however, is can Xavi pull his side out of the mental abyss quickly enough? Or will…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/three-talking-points-ahead-of-real-madrid-vs-barcelona-2/
Author : Adithya Eshwarla
Publish date : 2024-04-20 19:23:03
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