Barcelona saw their two-match winning run come to an end after a 2-2 draw against Espanyol on Sunday – and their manager Xavi wasn’t impressed.
The Derbi Barceloni certainly lived up to its name. Pedri gave Xavi and Barcelona the lead inside just two minutes in a game packed full of action. It was a moment that set the tone for the rest of the evening.
Sergi Darder equalised for the hosts before Gavi had a goal ruled out for offside by VAR for Barca. Then Raul de Tomas gave Espanyol the lead. Xavi’s side were staring down the barrel of a first La Liga defeat since December 4.
Tensions then boiled over. Barca’s Gerard Pique and Espanyol’s Nico Melamed were both sent off for a coming together in stoppage time.
Then, on 96 minutes, Luuk de Jong produced a last-gasp equaliser to rescue a point for the visitors.
Despite the late drama, however, Xavi still wasn’t satisfied with the result – and explained the reasons why after the match.
Xavi laments Espanyol crowd after Barcelona draw
In a derby match such as the Derbi Barceloni, the impact of the crowd is often understated. They can give the players that much-needed lift and mindset boost that they may not usually get in other matches.
It is fair to say that the atmosphere at Cornella de Llobregat was fever pitch. And, as he admitted after the match, the noise affected the delivery of Xavi’s messages to his players.
He explained (quotes via A Bola): “We had good moments, but they were more effective. It wouldn’t be fair to lose the game, and it ends up being a positive point that keeps us in the Champions League places.
“We changed the tactical system [during the game], and with the noise from the audience, I couldn’t communicate with the players.”
On de Jong’s goal, he said: “[De Jong] is an example, and I say that to the squad. He’s a goal scorer, and we brought him on to do that tonight. He already has had two goals, and now he has one more.”
Adama Traore makes big impact
Although there were plenty of negatives about the result for Xavi and Barcelona, there was a major positive. Adama Traore provided his second assist since signing from Wolves in January.
Much has been made of Traore’s goal and assist returns in recent seasons. He provided just one goal contribution in 20 games for Wolves this season. However, he has already overtaken that tally inside just two games with Barca.
He produced a pinpoint cross for Luuk de Jong to head in the late equaliser against Espanyol. Should the Spaniard keep this form up, Barca could well activate his £25 million future fee clause to keep him at the Nou Camp permanently.
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