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BARCELONA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 20: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona and Ronald Koeman, coach of FC … [+]
They all knew it would be difficult.
FC Barcelona not only have a shabby squad, after several important players were fired and lack of funds meant that Ronald Koeman could not bring in goals like Memphis Depay and Eric García.
But international duties, where some stars completed up to three games for their countries, invited the risk that the Blaugrana at their disposal would easily fatigue.
Without disrespecting Javier Bordalas’ men, Getafe came out as one of Barça’s easiest tests in a match-packed streak ahead of the next time FIFA and UEFA take over the soccer calendar in November.
It is true that they had a good run in the Europa League last season and were among La Liga surprise packages, but with Barça undefeated in 15 against them, however, Saturday’s match at the Estadio Coliseum Alfonso Pérez was destined to spell a routine victory for the visitors. .
Still stumped 1-0, the Catalans were condemned to their worst run of results with Koeman after a 1-1 draw at home against Sevilla.
However, at his most recent press conference, the Dream Team legend remained optimistic, insisting that his charges could change his bad form and use it to get off to a good start in the Champions League.
Through a 5-1 beating of Ferencvaros on Tuesday, they did just that. And now, before welcoming Real Madrid to El Clásico on Saturday, the coach has a good problem on his hands.
Simply put, Koeman has a litany of attacking players to choose from, all in purple scoring patches, but only four slots to place them in their 4-2-3-1.
Ansu Fati notched and provided an assist last night, as did positional rival Ousmane Dembele from the bench.
On the right, Francisco Trincao was impressive to face the Hungarians and will keep a snubbed Antoine Griezmann on his toes.
Then, to reflect, Fati’s teammate Pedri, 17, has done a couple of good trotting shows.
Also, scoring late thanks to Dembélé’s dangerous run for the band, the Tenerife native ensured the teens would break records as the first duo their age to score in the same match in Europe’s premier soccer competition.
Still not scoring since open play in 2020/2021, Lionel Messi pocketed another penalty, his first since Opening Day, and appears to be enjoying himself again before a showdown with one of his favorite victims.
Last but not least, Philippe Coutinho was on the Blaugrana scoreboard, for the first time since a goal at the Camp Nou against Manchester United in the 2018/2019 quarter-finals.
Then, cupping his ears to hear the whistles of the home crowd, he’s now one of Koeman’s best players and a growing fan favorite in a hard-earned turnaround.
Madrid play tonight, with one less day off for the big one, and Barça go back to riding with the taste for the onion bag.
