Athletic Club FC Barcelona: Costly draw
Athletic Club 0-0 FC Barcelona Costly draw Chance lost in San Mamés in a match where Pedri and Frenkie de Jong were sidelined with injuries in the first half.
However, everything finished at San Mamés, 0-0, and now a different viewpoint is required. Despite the loss of two points. The overall standings in the league table remain mostly unchanged from the beginning of the weekend.
However, the unsettling news about what may be the two most crucial members of Barça’s midfield will now have supporters waiting impatiently.
Double injury blow
First, Frenkie de Jong, who had participated in every minute of 2024 up until that point. Needed to be helped off a stretcher after he fell awkwardly his ankle.
Athletic Club 0-0 FC Barcelona Costly draw Moreover, it appeared as though Pedri might be having problems. The Canary Islander finally gave up in desperation and fell to the ground. With a dejected expression on his face, he also accepted that his game had ended because something wasn’t right with his leg.
Following the match, Xavi bemoaned the likelihood that both players would miss games. Said that the injuries had undoubtedly affected his team’s spirit.
Intense battle
Athletic Club FC Barcelona: Costly draw After the match, Xavi lamented the possibility of both players missing the matches and stated that the injuries had certainly affected his team’s spirit.
A Blaugrana moment was the most significant of the match. Cancelo’s incredible long shot caught Unai Simón far from his line. Causing the Basque goalkeeper to twist in the air and be unable to retain the ball.
That would have been one of the objectives. However, Yeray arrived just in time to knock him off the line.
Otherwise, the defensive prowess of both teams was more important in a game full of half-chances than the offensive prowess of their respective attackers.
Defences in control
Athletic had entered this game as an underdog. Their manager, Ernesto Valverde, made no fewer than seven forced and unforced changes to the team that had played just three days prior. Which has left their morale in the clouds despite their impressive Copa del Rey final qualification.
