The Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys witnessed a dramatic encounter as FC Barcelona, seeking redemption after a midweek defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk, hosted Alaves. However, the script took an unexpected turn as Samu Omorodion, on loan from Atletico Madrid, fired Alaves into the lead within the first 18 seconds, leaving Barcelona in an early predicament.
Samu’s Lightning Strike: Barcelona Caught Off Guard
Barcelona’s defensive woes continued as Samu Omorodion’s early goal exposed vulnerabilities in Xavi Hernandez’s side. This goal, coming just 18 seconds into the match, mirrored the swift setback they faced against Granada in October, underlining a concerning trend of conceding early goals.
Despite Samu’s early heroics, Alaves couldn’t capitalize on their advantage, with the forward missing three subsequent chances. Barcelona, in a lackluster first half, found themselves fortunate to only trail by a single goal. However, as football often dictates, missed opportunities can come back to haunt, and that’s precisely what unfolded.
Lewandowski’s Redemption: The Turning Point
The second half witnessed a resurgence from FC Barcelona, spearheaded by the experienced Robert Lewandowski. Breaking his six-match goal drought, the Polish striker rose to the occasion with a brilliantly executed header, leveling the score and injecting renewed energy into the Catalan side.
From Equalizer to Match-Winner: Lewandowski’s Penalty Seals the Deal
Lewandowski’s impact didn’t stop with the equalizer; he transformed into the match-winner. A well-earned penalty opportunity presented itself on the 78th minute when Ferran Torres was fouled inside the area. Lewandowski stepped up with composure, converting from the spot and sealing Barcelona’s comeback victory.
Questions Linger: Barcelona’s Position and Xavi’s Challenges
While the comeback victory against Alaves provides a sigh of relief for FC Barcelona, questions linger over their overall position in La Liga. Remaining in third place, four points behind league leaders Girona and two behind Real Madrid, Barcelona heads into the international break with a mixture of satisfaction and contemplation.
The match against Alaves not only exposed defensive frailties but also highlighted the need for consistency in performance. Xavi Hernandez, facing challenges in tightening the defensive line, must use the break to regroup and strategize for the challenges ahead.
Barcelona’s victory against Alaves was a rollercoaster of emotions, from the early setback to Lewandowski’s heroics. The match serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football and the resilience required to navigate through challenges. As Barcelona takes a breather during the international break, fans await Xavi’s tactical adjustments and hope for a more composed and defensively sound team in the upcoming fixtures.
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