Barça felt “high expectations”
After the frustrating debut for world footballer Robert Lewandowski at FC Barcelona, coach Xavi has asked the Catalans’ fans for patience with his newly formed star ensemble. Barça were held to a 0-0 draw by Rayo Vallecano on the opening day of the Spanish LaLiga on Saturday night.
“We wanted to show people that we’re on the right track, but it’s the beginning,” said Xavi. “We ask for patience and that people believe in the team.” It was a disappointment. The team felt the “high expectations”. “It wasn’t our best game. We know it’s difficult against Rayo and we have to try to improve. A home draw against Rayo isn’t exactly good. It’s a point that isn’t enough, it was a game to be won. We may have lacked calm in the decision-making process.” (quoted via “barcawelt.de“)
After the nail-biter for his permission to play, Lewandowski was in the starting line-up and played for more than 90 minutes, but without a sense of achievement. During his time at Bayern Munich, he only failed to score in the first Bundesliga game of the season in 2014.
Highest transfer spend in a summer: PSG, Real & Barça represented twice
FC Barcelona: In addition to Lewandowski, Raphinha and Christensen in the starting XI
In the gripping final phase alone, the 33-year-old Pole had several chances to score the winning goal. In the 82nd minute, Lewandowski’s shot from 14 meters narrowly missed the left post, and a little later an attempt to take a direct shot after a shot by ex-Dortmund substitute Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang went wide.
Fifteen minutes before the end, the Catalans unsuccessfully called for a penalty after Lewandowski was slightly pulled in the penalty area. Vallecano earned the point with a self-sacrificing fight in defence. In injury time, Barça captain Sergio Busquets saw the yellow-red card.
In addition to Lewandowski, winger Raphinha and defender Andreas Christensen were newcomers to the starting XI. Only the evening before, the Catalans had received last-minute league play permits for Lewandowski, Christensen, Franck Kessié and Raphinha after another deal worth millions. This also applied to Ousmane Dembélé and Sergi Roberto, whose expiring contracts had been renewed.
To home page