The beauty of the Champions League knockout rounds lies in the two-leg format, you can survive one game and leave everything for the next. That may be the master plan for Barcelona.
Barcelona rode their luck on Tuesday evening, rescued by a last-minute penalty from Lamine Yamal that was coolly slotted away to salvage a draw. It capped a performance in which their attack misfired while the defence held firm, a reversal of the roles we’ve become used to seeing in recent times.
There was no doubt that Newcastle were the better team, with the concerns regarding the performance and fluidity in attacking ranks. Hansi Flick spoke on that concern in the post match interview providing a justification, and hinting at a possible burnout within the squad.
"“We’ve had a lot of matches. Pedri was coming back, Bernal was also returning from a long injury... we have to improve. We have to keep playing and the positive thing is the result.”"Hansi Flick speaking on fitness
The midfield department, which Flick alluded to, looks thin with Frenkie de Jong unavailable, Gavi only just returning from a long-term injury, and both Bernal and Pedri coming back from extended layoffs. The creative engine therefore risks lacking sharpness at a time when the attack is already struggling to fire.
Raphinha is currently navigating a significant dip in form, and the issues at center-forward appear systemic; regardless if Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres or Marcus Rashford is leading the line, Barcelona simply isn’t getting the necessary production from the position.
Barcelona are unlikely to be granted much rest with a demanding schedule ahead, but the return of key players could not come at a better time.
The games now come thick and fast, with Sevilla awaiting at the weekend before the decisive return leg determines their fate in Europe. Perhaps the comfort of home will provide the small advantage they need, making whatever extra recovery time they can find all the more valuable.