Although it is only a rival from the bottom of the third league, Barcelona can certainly be satisfied with the 0:5 over the unfortunate Ceuta, and not only because of the result. Xavi’s team continued the ability from the Super Cup final against Real Madrid and presented a counter connection on the field. “With all the power”, read the headline in “Mundo Deportivo”.
????️ #LaPortadaMD
‘At full speed’https://t.co/oINEUFVRzq pic.twitter.com/DKKmxl0ejV
– Sports World (@sportsworld) January 19, 2023
Robert Lewandowski, who is still suspended as part of the league, continued his cup success with a brace, and in total he has 22 goals, 5 assists and one title (Super Cup) in just 23 games since joining the team last summer. “He showed today that he is a huge professional,” he complimented him Xavi. “He played like it was over.”
Another reason for the team’s optimism comes from the direction of Ansu Fati. Number 10 has been criticized this season, also from the national team coach Luis Enrique, but he already has a third goal in the last five games. Xavi commented on his ability: “He’s back to being the way we all love him.” About the fact that he entered in the 60th minute, he said: “We agreed that he would play for half an hour because he would start in the lineup against Getafe.”
In “Mundo Deportivo” they described his game as “exciting” and it was written: “It took him a while to really believe in his return to greatness, with a goal and another that was very close.” And in “Sport” they complimented the young diamond: “You have to trust him, because he gives back in a big way.”
“The team’s attitude deserves compliments,” Xavi said at the end and referred to learning from the dramatic 3:4 over Intercity in the previous round. “It is very important that we learned from this, it is not easy to play on these courts. I hope that in the next phase we will play at home.”
On the departure of Memphis Depay to Atlético Madrid, he said: “He told me he wanted to leave because it was a good opportunity for him. I don’t think it’s official yet, but we respected his request. It won’t be a tragedy if no acquisition comes, but I want to strengthen the squad “.