On Monday, January 13, el rival más amargo (the most bitter rival) on the face of Spanish football met once again.
The result? Domination, proven supremacy of LaMasia, and more glimpses of Kylian Mbappe finding its feet in the Spanish top flight.
The game started and Madrid (note that I am writing Real Madrid as Madrid) scored the match’s first goal with Kylian Mbappe, converting his chance from at the away end of the post.
Fun Fact: The first and last goal of this El Clasico was scored by Real Madrid.
Apart from the first and last goals, the Madrid team couldn’t stand the Barcelona team, which dominated the game, proving the Spanish rivalry worthwhile. After Mbappe’s opener, the tide shifted and Blaugrana started to create one chance after another. Not only the chances were being created but most of the chances ended up past the goal line.
Hansi Flick has done a remarkable job already. More such moments are yet to come. With that said, I have some major talking points. Some of them are worrying, while others have an element of positivity in them. So, without much ado, let’s talk about them.
This Side is Tailor-Made for the Big Stage
The sangre joven (young blood) that is rushed with enthusiasm and hunger to prove themselves is what helps this side turn up in the biggest of matches – the clash with the mighty Bayern Munich, the unbeaten-at-home Borussia Dortmund, and Real Madrid has proven my point already.
Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Raphinha, and co., are always there to seal the deal at the grand stage. The next big stage match is probably against Atalanta.
The formidable side of Gasperini won last year’s Europa League and is currently 3rd in the Serie A table. Barca will face them on January 29, 2025. I will definitely be catching the game live through my high-speed Xfinity Internet that offers uber-fast internet, ideal for streaming, and above all, 24/7 customer service at Xfinity en español tailored for Spanish speakers like myself.
Araujo Might Stay After Inigo’s Injury
Just a week before the match and after Araujo returned from his long-term injury, rumors were heard that Araujo would be on a move out of Barcelona. The rumors grew stronger and most of the fans, including myself, were sorprendido (shocked) because the Uruguayan loved the club.
Anyhow, the question lingering in my mind is ‘Will he change his mind after Inigo’s injury?’
You might be unaware of the context so let me throw some light on that too. Inigo is sidelined for 4-5 weeks. The problem that I think Araujo has is the game time. Now, that the starter is injured, Araujo has the chance to prove his worth once again. Will he be wanting to stay now and renew his contract?
Well, my logical sense says that he will rethink, but the reports from credible journalists say otherwise. What is going to happen next? Only time will tell.
Raphinha is the Real Contender for the Next Year’s Ballon d’Or
It feels like the Brazilian has found a new life under Hansi Flick. However, he started to show glimpses of his supreme talents when Xavi tweaked his position to a tad bit more central.
Since Hansi Flicked arrived and gave him the thing he needed(hint: freedom), he is shining like a pearl in the ocean. He is performing on the biggest of stages. Barca was on a constant streak of losing against Bayern Munich, and this time, they caught them off guard. Raphinha scored a hattrick against the mighty Germans. He scored a brace against Real Madrid and provided the aid for another.
I think this is the key to Ballon d’Or – scoring and making a difference on the biggest of stages.
Pau Cubarsi is Going Under the Radar
In my opinion, Pau Cubarsi is underrated and the reason is Lamine Yamal. By no means I am saying that Yamal is a problem, I am just saying that Cubrasi deserves more.
It is absurd that a 17-year-old can come to the biggest stage at one of the most sensitive positions and don’t put a foot wrong. Day in and day out, he is performing like a solid veteran.
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One of the many things that I love about him as a player is his passing range and ability. When Inigo got injured, we lacked a left-footed center back to cut through those central lines. Hansi Flick switched Cubarsi’s position to where Inigo was and he used both of his feet to even deceive the cameraman for his passing angles.
In simple words, he is just spectacular, the future of Blaugrana, and deserves more admiration.
Wrapping It Up
If you love watching the post-match analysis of the game and tactics, here is a YouTube channel that I have been watching for a couple of years. The guy breaks down complex football ideas to help the viewers understand. Do check it out, if you want to know how Flick has transformed this FC Barcelona.
