FC Barcelona have already had quite the wild ride this season, seeing the lowest of lows before recovering in time for Lionel Messi’s reintroduction after injury. Ernesto Valverde’s earning an extremely polarizing reputation thanks to his questionable tactics, as fans voiced their anger towards him earlier this season. After enduring their worst start to a campaign since 1990, the Blaugrana are back fighting for the La Liga.
Now that they’re sitting just a couple of points behind a Real Madrid side plagued with constant injuries, a challenge for another La Liga title looks more serious Barcelona are currently favourites in La Liga betting odds for the title, and a win against Real Madrid later this month at Camp Nou should really stake their claim.
Messi is continuously proving why he’s the best shout for the “Greatest of all time” by dragging Barcelona out from the dirt with his inexplicable magic in the field. Luis Suarez has also proven to have that lethal touch remaining in him, scoring some fabulous strikes to help the revival for the defending champions this season.
New-boy Antoine Griezmann’s confessed he needs time to adapt to Barcelona’s expectations, but he’s also proving that extra bit of spark with his dazzling ability in the final third. The World Cup winner’s not only capable of deft, decisive strikes but his creativity and driving nature’s sparked inspiration for his side.
While their attack is packed with efficient match-winners, Barcelona’s Achilles heel remains their fragile defence. While Mats Andre Ter-Stegen has retained his concentration during a feisty feud with Manuel Neuer over the German national team position, his defenders rarely hold their nerve.
Gerard Pique is no Carles Puyol and while nobody can deny his distribution skills, he’s still very inconsistent and capable of making sloppy mistakes throughout. Clement Lenglet is quite the assertive figure, but even he struggles against mobile strikers. Keeping in line with their philosophy, their full-backs Jordi Alba and Nelson Semedo are fiery figures marching forward, but are anything but compelling defensive wise. Even Junior Firpo looks a carbon copy of the Spaniard.
Now with this wonky defence, it’ll be difficult for Valverde’s men to compete on all fronts. The manager himself isn’t the big-match wonder they need and is too stubborn for his own good at times. However, it looks unlikely that Barca will part with him due to the inavailability of quality suitors in the market. They must rely on their world-class attack and leader Messi to drag them out of tough situations and keep a positive momentum throughout.
In the Champions League, their poor defensive work will be found out if a relentless team like Liverpool or Manchester City stand await. However, Messi’s continued brilliance should help them compete equally with the unpredictable Real Madrid side. Due to the fractured egos in the Madrid dressing room, Los Blancos will slip one time or the other.
Be it the El Clasico or in difficult away games, they will give Barcelona chances to win the La Liga race. If Messi stays injury-free and unites a smooth attacking with Suarez and Griezmann, the Blaugrana should at least clinch another league title.
All About FC Barcelona
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