Inter is closing in on Bayern
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FC Barcelona did not get past a 3:3 (1:2) draw at Club Bruges in the Champions League. Former national coach Hansi Flick’s team suffered a setback in the fight for direct qualification for the round of 16 thanks to the ultimately lucky draw, while the Belgian runner-up achieved a respectable success after the 4-0 defeat at FC Bayern.
In a game that was fast-paced from the start, Bruges took the lead three times thanks to German U21 runner-up Nicolò Tresoldi (6th minute) and double goalscorer Carlos Forbs (17th/64th). Ferran Torres (8th) and Lamine Yamal (60th) equalized for Barcelona before Bruges’ Christos Tzolis headed a cross from Lamine Yamal into his own goal in the 77th minute to make the final score 3-3.
In stoppage time, Romeo Vermant initially gave Brugge a 4-3 lead, but after the VAR check the goal was withdrawn due to a foul on Barça goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. More goals could have been scored in the game because Barcelona hit the woodwork three times.
“It wasn’t an easy game. We created chances, but they defended well and were aggressive,” summed up Flick. “We didn’t put pressure on the ball, we lost a lot of duels, especially in midfield. We didn’t press well in midfield, not the way we wanted.” Barça has been struggling in recent weeks, only winning three of the last seven games. The Catalans haven’t kept a clean sheet in nine games.
“It’s not the team’s best phase. We can play at a different level,” admitted Flick, but also made it clear: “We can change some things, but also stay true to our philosophy. We don’t have to change the way we play, we are Barça. That has nothing to do with philosophy.” The return of injured players like Raphinha, Pedri and Gavi will help.
“When everyone is back, everything will go better. We can do better. (…) We can talk about changing things, but I don’t think we have to change much because that’s part of our DNA. A 3-3 is not a good result, but we have caught up,” continued Flick. “It’s about playing more intensely when we don’t have the ball. We have to be alert when they create a chance with one or two passes. We have to defend not only in defense but also in midfield. We have to improve in this area.”
Inter Milan stays on top – Osimhen hat-trick for Galatasaray
Meanwhile, Inter Milan also won the fourth game of the league phase and now has twelve points, like leaders FC Bayern and Arsenal FC. Last year’s Italian finalist defeated Kairat Almaty 2-1 (1-0). Lautaro Martínez (45th) and Carlos Augusto (67th) scored for Inter, while Ofri Arad (55th) equalized for the guests.
Newcastle United with the two German professionals Nick Woltemade and Malick Thiaw achieved a convincing 2-0 (1-0) win over Athletic Bilbao. Dan Burn (11th) and former Hoffenheim player Joelinton (49th) were the goal scorers. Galatasaray around DFB player Leroy Sané also celebrated an unchallenged success. The match winner in the 3-0 (0-0) away win at Ajax Amsterdam was Victor Osimhen (59th/66th/78th). The former Wolfsburg player scored a hat trick in 19 minutes. For Newcastle and Galatasaray it was the third win in the fourth game.
