Barça Survives Thanks to the Youth and Talent of Cubarsí and Lamine
In another lackluster match at the Estadi Olímpic, Barcelona managed to secure a narrow victory against Mallorca, with the youth and talent of Cubarsí and Lamine proving instrumental. Xavi’s team, dealing with injuries and rotations, opted for a ‘baby Barça’ lineup as a makeshift strategy ahead of the crucial Tuesday clash against Napoli. Once again, La Masia came to the rescue of a team physically battered and struggling with creativity on the ball.
The audacious decision to field three young talents in the starting eleven was a daring challenge, altering the atmosphere at the Estadi Olímpic. It prompted a temporary ceasefire in the persistent discontent among the fans, offering yet another vote of confidence for Xavi and a squad where the young guns continue to break through. However, the footballing reality of this Barça is a far cry from the coach’s ambitious plans. While the immense talent of a promising youth academy is undeniable, the present circumstances invite reflection.
The first five minutes of the match revealed the stark reality of the emerging baby Barça’s performance. Cubarsí, in a last-ditch effort, thwarted Larin to prevent an early scare. Meanwhile, Guiu, Raphinha, and Gündogan faced fouls to disrupt any clean build-up play. Silence in the stands, somber expressions in the stands, with only one source of joy for the fans—the promising Pau Cubarsí.
Before the 20th minute, the young central defender had successfully navigated challenges against Larin and engaged in successful tussles with Muriqi. These moments earned him the only applause from a crowd resigned to perpetual suffering.
Juvenile adrenaline Gündogan tirelessly pressed forward, exhibiting generosity alongside illustrious teammates like Cancelo and Koundé. Yet, the reality was that flashes of true football brilliance only appeared when Cubarsí showcased his exceptional ball control for his age or when Lamine attempted moments of fantasy—albeit with inconsistent success until his sensational goal.
This is the current state of affairs. In the absence of relief from the infirmary, Barcelona’s aspirations rest on the solidity of a youthful central defender and the magic of a forward like Lamine, who has already proven capable of turning around a lackluster game at any moment—reminiscent of the brilliance displayed by Messi and other footballing geniuses.
