Barcelona were held to a goalless draw by Girona, making it two games without a goal at Camp Nou. This was also the first time this season that the Blaugrana failed to score in back-to-back games.
Lionel Messi’s chants in the 10th minute, Marc-André ter Stegen’s clean sheets, and lackluster showing from forwards have become routine for Xavi’s Barca in La Liga.
On Tuesday night, the likes of Ronald Araújo and Jules Kounde had to produce yet another resilient display in order to ensure Barcelona ended the game with something. A point against Girona extended the side’s lead to 13 points at the top of the La Liga table.
However, the forwards gave another snooze fest to the home crowd and probably to Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga too, as he was made to face just three shots on target during the 90 minutes.
Barcelona fans are all saying the same thing about Lewandowski’s performance
Robert Lewandowski in particular was once again a frustrating outlet for Barcelona in the final third. In the first half, he only completed three passes. The striker got the opportunity to test the goalkeeper from a pretty good position in the 76th minute of the game, but he surprisingly opted to not pull the trigger.
📸 - Lewandowski with a chance to shoot but.. he doesn't shoot. pic.twitter.com/hjTxJdRvSi
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) April 10, 2023
One fan tweeted after the game: “Underwhelming. Nothing more to say. Lewandowski and Raphinha, atrocious. The midfield, lifeless. Xavi’s personnel management, baffling.”
Another claimed: “Lewandowski is not that guy anymore, Barcelona has really messed the dude up.”
“Watching Lewandowski play football like it’s his first time,” a third noted.
A fourth suggested: “We need to get a striker next season, I can’t depend on Lewandowski.”
Post the World Cup break, performances like this from the 34-year-old have been a recurring theme. In his last seven games, the Poland international has only managed two goals – a brace against 20th-place Elche.
At one point of the season, it appeared Barcelona wanted Messi back more for emotional reasons than tactical. But considering Lewandowski’s recent form, the signing of the World Cup winner or any other forward could become a necessity rather than luxury.