A lucky goal from Christensen, an exquisite center back, discontinued by his injuries and weak of character, a substitute who usually completes the squad list, got Barcelona out of a major predicament in Guadalajara. Barcelona’s second goal, already at the limit of regulation time, certified the victory of the champion against an opponent who fought wonderfully, admirable not only for their physical display, but also for their excellent competitiveness, supported by the spirit of a fan that overflowed the Pedro Escartín.
0
Dani Vicente, Jorge Casado, Ablanque, Cera (Neskes, min. 82), Julio Martínez, Agus Moreno (Daniel Gallardo, min. 61), Borja Díaz (Salifo Caropitche Mendes, min. 61), Samu Mayo (Raúl Tavares, min. 71), Pablo Rojo, Manu Ramírez (Toño Calvo, min. 61) and Cañizo
2
Gerard Martin, min. 85) Marc Bernal
Goals
0-1 min. 75: A. Christensen. 0-2 min. 89: Rashford
Referee César Soto Grado
yellow cards
Marc Bernal (min. 29), Manu Ramírez (min. 31), Samu Mayo (min. 53), Ablanque (min. 70)
The start of the match was delayed half an hour due to “organizational and security issues” after the extra stands arranged by the club to respond to the expectation generated by the match were sealed because they had not yet been approved by the City Council. Those affected were about 2,500 spectators in a stadium whose usual capacity is 6,000. The conflict was resolved with the passage of time and the countryside was a drum for the courage of Guadalajara.
The delay and the environmental burden did not in any case deter Barcelona, willing to follow the script of last season, the same one that began with a 0-4 in Barbastro. Lamine and Eric García played, as did Rashford, professional players looking for their place like Casadó, De Jong, Fermín, Christensen and Bernal and youngsters of the caliber of Jofre Torrents and Roony. Once Pedri and Raphinha were protected, the biggest novelty was anyway in the goal, the captain who seemed offside since his operation in July, absent since May 18 against Villarreal. However, Lewandowski has not yet reappeared.
Guadalajara responded to the list of Barça figures with an intense and supportive collective game, very well covered in their field so as not to give up space and always ready for transitions towards the Barça area. Pere Martí’s team, noble and fierce as the legend says, defended very closely and every time they came out with the ball they tried to finish the play, the best way to find the goal and avoid Barça’s counterattack. The mid-distance shots were the best Barça solution given the lack of depth and interior play, misguided as Lamine was, blocked and confused by the chatter of the Pedro Escartín fans. The stadium was a clamor at half-time: 0-0.
And the classification ensures that Guadalajara, in addition to occupying relegation positions, is the team with the most goals in its Primera RFEF group. Despite the good pace of the match, the ball speed was too low and the lack of precision and aim was evident in Barça, too determined to cross crosses in front of Vicente. Flick changed the demarcation of several of his players at half-time, with Lamine and Rashford open to the wings, and the Blaugrana attacked the Guadalajara area better. The goal, however, was resisted because chances were scarce, and in return Pere Martí’s squad counterattacked well.
The Barcelona fans found relief in Christensen when Flick had already turned to Pedri. The Dane was accurate in his area and resolved the opposition with a header from De Jong’s center that bounced off Martínez. A lucky play after a corner that triggered Guadalajara’s reaction. Then the figure of Ter Stegen appeared to vindicate his aspiration to fulfill his contract with Barça. The blaugranas needed their entire arsenal to qualify for the round of 16 of the Cup in brave Guadalajara.
