Barcelona too soft against Viktoria Plzen as Champions League campaign ends with sloppy win over minnows
- Barca out of UCL despite victory
- Conceded twice in second half
- Allowed eight shots on target
WHAT HAPPENED? Even with some second-choice players rotated into the starting line-up, Barcelona manager Xavi likely wanted far more out of his players in the narrow win. They made repeated mistakes after a strong start that saw Marcos Alonso score in the sixth minute.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: The Blaugrana were already eliminated from knockout stage contention, so Tuesday was all about improving morale before dropping into the Europa League. Regardless of the win, they won't see the performance as particularly encouraging, especially as Franck Kessie suffered an apparent hamstring injury in the second half.
ALL EYES ON: Ferran Torres has struggled to break into Xavi's plans, but he took advantage of a rare start and scored twice as one of Barcelona's bright spots. The former Manchester City star can use his brace as a confidence builder for the rest of the season.
MATCH IN THREE PHOTOS:
DID YOU KNOW? Viktoria Plzen registered 3.04 expected goals to Barcelona's 2.34, suggesting they were unlucky to lose.
THE VERDICT:
Ferran Torres loves facing Viktoria Plzen!
4 - Ferran Torres has been involved in four goals against Viktoria Plzeň (three goals, one assist), his favourite oppnent with FC Barcelona in all competitions. Update. https://t.co/wW1hz5kO91
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 1, 2022
But Xavi's defence was ... not good.
Up Barcelona!! Heading to Europa League in style. 😂😇🤣 #UCL #ViktoriaBarça
— Shina Oludare 🇳🇬 (@sportingshina) November 1, 2022
In fairness, the Blaugrana did field a very young side.
Barcelona now have Pablo Torre (19) and Marc Casado (19) in the middle of the park in Plzen... and Gavi (18) is still the youngest of the midfield trio
— Samuel Marsden (@samuelmarsden) November 1, 2022
Why can't Barca fans have nice things?
Pablo Torre has a dream moment, scoring for Barcelona, and in the process… he gets injured.
— TalkFCB © (@talkfcb_) November 1, 2022
Story of our season 🙃
WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA? The club have Almeria and Osasuna on their schedule in La Liga before the World Cup break.