Barcelona’s Tale of Two Halves: Xavi’s Tactical Shift Saves the Day, but Questions Linger
In a candid expression of concern, Barca fan Kostanjsak reflects on the recent match against Alaves, stating, “When Barca play well, they can play really well. But if they can’t impose themselves, there is no answer.” Kostanjsak acknowledges Xavi’s effective readjustment in the second half but raises worries about Barcelona’s inability to control the game in the initial 45 minutes.
For nearly half of the match, Barcelona struggled against Alaves, appearing a far cry from the team that clinched La Liga just months ago. The 15th-placed team dominated proceedings, threatening to secure an unexpected victory and could have been three goals up by halftime if they had capitalized on their chances.
A pivotal moment came when Xavi astutely recognized the threat posed by Samu Omorodion, prompting a tactical switch that curbed the opposition’s clear-cut chances. The game ultimately ended in a 2-1 victory for Barcelona.
However, Kostanjsak raises a pertinent question: against a stronger opponent, would Xavi’s tactical adjustments have been enough if Barcelona were already trailing by two or three goals?
As the international break offers a breather, the article calls for a return to the drawing board, emphasizing the need for reflection and strategic recalibration to address the challenges faced by the Blaugrana.
