Xavi’s Silence on Referees, Christensen’s Tactical Pivot, and Emerging Talents: A Deep Dive into Barcelona’s Game

“I will not speak about referees anymore. We are paying for the Negreira case. It’s the last time I’ll talk about referees,” declared Xavi, leaving us skeptical that he can hold back from commenting on officials in the remaining four months of the season. Throughout this season, almost every press conference has seen Xavi referencing referees in one way or another. Media plays its part, of course, and as Xavi repeats, the “reality” is there. Yesterday’s referee incident couldn’t be avoided, especially when it was as blatant as Vitor Roque’s expulsion in the 70th minute—an outrage that may not have influenced the final result but could have.

Let’s attempt to set aside the referee debate and focus on the on-field details observed at Mendizorroza. In response to a slew of injuries, Xavi opted for a starting lineup with four central defenders. The tactical surprise was Andreas Christensen deployed as a defensive midfielder. Although Xavi had been experimenting with Christensen in that role for months, yesterday marked the decisive moment due to the injury crisis upfront and the subpar performance of Oriol Romeu in Vitoria.

Another noteworthy aspect was the absolute trust placed in two teenagers—Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal. Beyond contextual factors such as injuries and the inability to make new signings, the “reality” is that Pau and Lamine are not merely promising prospects; they are currently the two best performers in their respective positions in the Barcelona squad. Pau demonstrated exceptional ball distribution and tactical acumen, while Lamine showcased his dazzling talent with remarkable determination and natural flair.

In the midst of occasional lapses this season, Gündogan and Pedri, positioned closer to the goal, presented a different dynamic. Their involvement was pivotal in the second goal, with Gündogan orchestrating a delightful connection with Lewy for the opener. Despite some phases of good play and dominance, there were still moments of disconnection.

Barcelona’s proximity to the second spot, courtesy of Girona’s slip against Real (amid refereeing controversy), and the upcoming Real Madrid-Atlético derby tonight could potentially add a satisfying touch to what, fingers crossed, might be a calm weekend at Can Barça.