"Though they would therefore start the fixture as clear underdogs, it had been shown in previous editions of the tournament that if the big boys are too complacent, some stunning upsets often occur as a result. Hansi Flick named Marc-Andre ter Stegen in his starting XI and also made a number of other changes, whilst still keeping a good balance of experience and youth."
"Though the standard of the opponent will always be taken into account, it shouldn't be overlooked at just how confident the left-back seemed in possession, even under the most intense pressure. So often, young players want to impress and think that 'Hollywood' balls across the pitch are the way to do just that, but each of Jofre's passes was played with purpose and played simply."
"Lamine Yamal was once again in the starting XI for Barcelona and played the whole game yet again. Flick was eager to rest some of his big hitters for this game, such as Raphinha and Pedri, but certainly not Yamal. The teenager's pubalgia issues have been well-documented this season but it seems it's not stopping him from racking up the minutes since returning to action."
Barcelona entered the fixture avoiding complacency, fielding Marc-Andre ter Stegen and rotating the squad while balancing experience and youth. The hosts sit 17th in their division with 17 points from 16 games and only four league wins, making them clear underdogs. Nineteen-year-old Jofre Torrents showed composure in possession, delivering purposeful and simple passes under pressure and never looking out of place. Lamine Yamal played the entire game despite ongoing pubalgia issues and accumulating minutes since his return, raising concerns that lack of rest could negatively affect him and the team later.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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