Introduction
The night ended with a shameful home draw for Barcelona, 2nd draw in the history of laliga in the Eibar clash. Blaugrana’s squad showed no character big names had no answer for Mendilibar’s side defense. Barca ended up the year positioned 6th in the league.
Meanwhile, Eibar’s side earned a precious point to climb up to 15th. Excellent defending left no space and chances for opponents. The Messi-less attack never questioned the 1-1 scoreline. This draw on Camp Nou may boost the side’s confidence for the rest of the league.
LINEUPS
Barca
5-3-2
GK – Ter stegan
DEF -Dest, Oscar M., Araujo, Leglet, Firpo
MID -Pedri, Pjanic, F De Jong
ST- Griezmann, Braithwate
EIBAR
4-2-3-1
GK Dmitrovix
DEF Pozo, Burgos, Bigas, Rafa
MID Alvarez, Exposito, Kadzior, Diop, Inui
ST Kike
FIRST HALF
Barca started the first half while possession on the opponent’s side. Early foul on Ronald Araujo by Pedro Bigas in the box earned a penalty in the 8th minute. In form no.9, Martin Braithwaite missed the penalty kick on the wide left post. Another key attacker on the field for Barca, Griezmann missed chances like a header cross from Pjanic and an empty-spaced misplaced shot. The goal scored by Braithwaite on the 24th minute got overruled by VAR, as the no.9 was caught offside. A tight mid-block from Eibar kept Catalan’s attack quiet. The First 45 minutes ended with no goals scoreline.
SECOND HALF
At the half, Koeman goes for attacking replacement as Dembele subs in for Dest. Dembele added pace in Barca’s attack, the midfielder started moving the ball faster. Using wings, Barca wingmen tries to cross the ball for center forwards. Few shots blocked by Dmitrovic, Griezmann shot saved in the 52nd minute, Dembele and Frenkie both try to find the net on an offensive role.
Ice breaker goal by Kike on 56th, which was spilled by Ronald Araujo. Koeman’s side now looks more desperately for chances. Few changes by the coach on the home side, Coutinho and Trincao subs in for Griezy and Pjanic. Continuous attacking pressure by Barca’s side results in Dembele’s right foot goal. Onward this goal, Eibar side get toucher at backlines, few more attempt got saved. The crowded red and blue jersey in Eibar half couldn’t find the 2nd goal for the win, as Eibar’s defense kept bodies in the box till the final whistle.
CONCLUSION
The fixture was more dominated by Eibar’s defense, as it was far enough to repress chances for Barca. An important and hopeful draw for Eibar but a shameful night for Barca. Disaster performance from Koeman’s side, which may affect his choice of 11 in future games.
