Two weeks after the classic that sentenced the League and four days before the classic that will decide the finalist of the Cup, Barça faces bottom club tonight in an unequal duel (a record difference of 55 points) that could be a ‘trap match’ ‘. Elche, who will debut their sixth manager of the season, have only won two games in the championship and receive a visit from Barça knowing that they have already dropped to the Second Division. Therefore, you have nothing to lose. Unlike the blaugrana team: victory is taken for granted before jumping onto the pitch. These meetings after national team breaks are always dangerous. And more, when they ‘annoy’ between two clashes against Madrid.
As if that were not enough, Xavi faces this match without five of his usual starters: Christensen, De Jong, Pedro and Dembélé, injured, and Raphinha, suspended. Araujo, finally, entered the call. The Blaugrana coach will have to invent an ‘eleven’ that offers sufficient guarantees to ensure the essential victory against the Elche. It will be, without a doubt, the moment of Ansu Fati. The striker claims more minutes and his father has generated a situation of maximum tension with his controversial statements. We will see how the youth player responds to this new opportunity.
BARÇA’S DECLARATION OF INTENT
These two weeks without games have served to talk about everything except football. The ‘Negreira case’ has continued to generate unpleasant chapters, a campaign of harassment and demolition against Gavi has begun and, of course, Messi’s future has once again been the protagonist. In the case of Leo, there is a clear declaration of intent from Laporta and Barça to get him back. But for now, it’s just an illusion. Nor has there been a call from the president to the Argentine star (which would be key), much less a formal proposal to incorporate him next summer.
THE ONLY OFFER, THAT OF PSG
The Blaugrana club sells enthusiasm through Rafa Yuste (”We are in contact with Messi so that he returns& rdquor;) but Xavi brings common sense and prudence: “This is not the time to talk about his return… but we have tried the theme”. The only offer that Messi currently has on the table is that of PSG: a one-year extension of his current contract with options to improve economic conditions. Messi is waiting to find out what sports project the French club is offering him for next season. And then he will decide. Because the only thing that is certain is that Leo’s future will be decided by Leo.