A knockout blow that Barca didn’t deserve
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Great away performance
Losing in cup competitions is a fact of life, but in the Copa del Rey over the last few seasons, any losses for Barca in a two-legged tie have always been overturned.
It’s not a feeling we’ve been used to.
Frankly, after what was a fantastic away performance in San Mames, we didn’t deserve to in the new one-legged format.
This was as good as the blaugranes have been this season, and not one cule can honestly look at that 90+ minutes and suggest that our away hoodoo has struck again.
A very serious performace by the team tonight, and perhaps the best game of the season despite the elimination. Messi’s and Griezmann’s chances should have killed the game but Barça are on the right track. It’s a shame, but we move.
— De Ara Torres (@dearatorres) February 6, 2020
Too many yellow cards were regrettable, but some showed a steely side to the players that’s often sorely missed, whilst others were a pathetic attempt from the referee to make the game all about him.
On another night, the visitors would’ve waltzed into the semi-final.
Credit to young Unai Simon, a fantastic keeper who repelled everything that was thrown at him. Even when beaten, Athletic had the rub of the green with two goal-line clearances.
Barca’s play was sharp in the main, the passing was crisp, in short Los Leones were played off of the park.
Barça played a great 2nd half. Only let down by Griezmann's & Messi's poor finishing.
— Alex Truica (@AlexTruica) February 6, 2020
They were brilliant all around with a thin squad, with no No 9, away to a tough opponent on a tough ground.
Don't let the score line fool you. Don't let people with reactionary takes fool you.
The disappointment of losing in injury time can’t be understated, particularly as its the second time in succession that it’s happened against Athletic.
Perhaps if there’s one criticism, it’s our defences inability to deal with high balls into the box effectively, but personally, I don’t even think that needs to come into the conversation.
Given how much of a tumultuous week it had been even before kick-off, to come out and play as well as they did is a magnificent effort from all concerned.
Sometimes it’s just not your night.
Looking at things in a medium to longer term light, if this is what we can expect under Quique Setien, then I’m all in.
— Setién: "We had 4-5 very clear opportunities. We did it right, we showed a good image of Barca by being superior." pic.twitter.com/s6UoH9SDeL
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) February 6, 2020
The football that cules have been crying out for is back. We are expansive, quick to press, confident in possession... all of this in 25 days or so and under incredibly trying circumstances for a new manager.
Perhaps this campaign might well have to be considered a write off in the end, as most would agree that this was Barca’s easiest route to silverware, particularly after Real Madrid had been dumped out of the competition a couple of hours before.
But short-term pain for long term gain will be worth it if Thursday night’s fare is a template for what’s to come.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
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