November 24, (THEWILL) – Barcelona’s chances of progressing to the round of 16 knockout stages of the 2021/2022 UEFA Champions League were dealt a serious knock when they were held to a goalless draw by Benfica at Camp Nou on an enthralling night in Group E.
Xavi, in charge of his first European game as Blaugrana manager, must now lead his team to win over Bayern Munich, who have already qualified, in the final group game to ensure progression to the last 16. If that fails, Barcelona will need Benfica to lose points at home to Dinamo Kyiv, who are currently in last place in the group with just one point.
Yusuf Demir, an 18-year-old Austrian who was given a surprise start in attack, came closest to breaking the deadlock for Barcelona in the first 45 minutes when he hit the woodwork with a delicious curler, but Xavi’s side also survived a couple of first-half scares.
Jorge Jesus’ idea to bring Roman Yaremchuk into Benfica’s starting XI for his aerial presence almost paid off. He appeared to be on his way to an opener, but his stooping header was stopped by Marc Andre Ter Stegen’s knee.
Following a corner, Nicolas Otamendi scored a thunderous strike past the Barcelona goalkeeper, but the ball was found to have strayed out of play a moment earlier.
After failing to recreate their high-tempo performance from the first half, Xavi bet on the fitness of Ousmane Dembele, who replaced Demir, in the 66th minute. With his skill and pace, the 24-year-old had an immediate impression, generating a chance for Frenkie de Jong, whose bullet header was saved by Odisseas Vlachodimos.
When Ronald Araujo finished Jordi Alba’s exquisite cross in the 83rd minute, he felt he had won it for Barcelona, but he was only a bit offside and the goal was chalked off.
Gerard Pique then missed a golden opportunity when he headed wide from close range. Still, Benfica could have won it right at the end when substitute Haris Seferovic toe-poked wide with the goal gaping – an incredible error that left his boss slumped to the ground with his head in his hands.
In the end, Benfica will be more pleased with the draw and must now be considered favourites to finish second behind Bayern and proceed in the competition at the expense of Barcelona.
With the return of Xavi Hernandez as manager, Barcelona’s free-flowing football, intense pressing, and articulate passing of the ball were all restored, but one flaw remained: a killing touch in attack.
And it is this flaw that could cost Barcelona a spot in Europe’s elite competition for the first time in 20 years. They will have their hands full when they travel to the Allianz Arena for the final group encounter against Bayern Munich.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
