Barcelona traveled to Portugal for their second UEFA Champions League game of the season. On Wednesday night, they met Porto in what was perhaps their toughest group stage match of the season. The game lasted a full 90 minutes.
Tonight, Xavi Hernandez started Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo in the center defense position, a long-awaited combo. Right back Joao Cancelo and left back Alejandro Balde rounded out the defense.
Robert Lewandowski, Joao Felix, and Lamine Yamal began up top, while Oriol Romeu played with Gavi and Ilkay Gundogan in midfield.
On Wednesday night, the Catalans got things going at Estadio do Dragao. In the first minutes, Barcelona was the better team, and Joao Felix even had a chance on goal for the Catalans.
Porto found their footing after being outclassed during the first 15 minutes by Xavi’s team. By the 20th minute, they had begun applying significant pressure on the Catalans and had nearly won a penalty.
When Mehdi Taremi went down after being tackled by Kounde inside the Barcelona penalty area, Pepe was attempting to connect with him. The on-field official didn’t blow the whistle, and the video assistant referee review agreed with him.
Midway through the first half, Felix took a well-worked attempt for the Blaugranas, but a diving Diogo Costa was able to tip the ball over the bar. Minutes later, the kid had another opportunity with the ball at his feet, but he squandered it.
Robert Lewandowski’s injury, caused by Carmo’s violent tackle, was a major setback for Barcelona. After 30 minutes, despite his best efforts, the Pole had to be replaced by Ferran Torres by Xavi.
In the next sequence of play, Porto and Barcelona kept trading off spells of possession and control. Both teams had opportunities, but failed to take advantage of them.
An excellent interception by Gundogan gave Barcelona the lead just before halftime. The German international quickly capitalized on Romario Baro’s mistake to set up Ferran Torres for an easy one-on-one goal.
To their credit, the Catalans deservedly had a 1-0 lead at the break. The last third, though, was a clear indication that Xavi’s guys were not playing their best.
The home team started the second half with an excellent attacking sequence that ended with Joao Mario setting up a fantastic opportunity for his team. However, by the 50th minute, Barcelona had taken the lead again and the score was evened out.
While the home team was looking for an equalizer, chances kept coming down the left flank for Porto. After the first hour mark, Marc-Andre ter Stegen had to make a few excellent saves.
Oriol Romeu was replaced by Sergi Roberto, while Fermin Lopez took over for Joao Felix.
In the 77th minute, Porto was awarded a penalty after a fantastic run by Eustaquio ended with the ball hitting Joao Cancelo’s arm. The international from Portugal made what appeared to be an unnatural touch with the ball, but VAR ruled out a penalty because of a handball by a Porto player.
Lamine Yamal was replaced by Marcos Alonso in the 80th minute.
Taremi’s magnificent overhead finish was ruled out for offside in the final minutes, and Porto still could not catch a break. The elusive goal eluded them despite their best efforts and a series of offensive transitions.
In the dying seconds of the game, Gavi was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. The match against Shakhtar Donetsk is one he will have to miss.
Barcelona protected their one-goal advantage all the way to the final buzzer. They now have six points after two games and are in first place in Group H.
It’s clear to conclude, nevertheless, that the home team was unfairly treated, and that a tie would have been better. Xavi’s team will gladly accept the three points under any circumstances.
