UCL: Torres and Lopez secure Barca's peace ahead of Real clash

Ahead of tonight’s game, Barcelona coach Xavi had a lot on his mind, and it was not necessarily the opponent, Shakhtar Donetsk. Just three days after this game, El Classico is on the schedule, and the coach had to think about it very carefully. A right balance between tonight’s and Saturday’s game was required, mainly due to possible injuries and much required rest for some players. So, Xavi decided to stick with some veterans like Ter Stegen, Araujo, Gündogan and Ferran Torres to start, since they have the experience for these games, but he also blended in some youngster from La Masia like Lamine Yamal or Fermín Lopez and it was a great mix: Barcelona – Shakhtar 2-1.

To beat the bitter rival Real Madrid and keep the throne is vital, but last year’s early exit from the Champions League also caused problems for Barca. They have made their current budget on the fact that they will reach at least quarterfinals, so passing the group stage is without a question. And without Lewandowski, Pedri and Raphinha, Xavi had to trust the youngsters and some, not so constant players like Ferran Torres, but they delivered. Former Manchester City forward scored the first and assisted with the second goal to give the Catalans an important victory and make them at ease ahead of Real match.

The first half started a bit slow but soon Barca took over and chances began to appear in close proximity. Torres was the one who opened the scoring when his goal was actually nullified due to offside, but VAR took a longer look and realized everything was OK. And then Fermín Lopez after one missed chance realized the second one. After a great assist from Torres, the kid took the ball and smashed it onto the right post and straight into the goal for 2-0. Barca continued to attack looking for that third goal which would seal the game, but failed to do it in the first half. And then Shakhtar made Xavi and the home fans restless with a goal from the very first shot. It was a quick counter attack from the left and Sudakov found himself in front of the goalkeeper and coolly finished for 2-1. Barca had two goals nullified due to offside (Ferran and Lopez) and had a nervous finish, but they managed to maintain the score until the very end and find themselves comfortably at the top of the Group H with all three wins.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Group stage - matchday 3

Tuesday

Inter - Salzburg 2-1 (1-0)

/Sanchez 19, Calhanoglu 63 pen - Gloukh 57/

Galatasaray - Bayern 1-3 (1-1)

/Icardi 30 pen - Coman 8, Kane 73, Musiala 79/

Man. Utd. - Copenhagen 1-0 (0-0)

/Maguire 72/

Union Berlin - Napoli 0-1 (0-0)

/Raspadori 65/

Sevilla - Arsenal 1-2 (0-1)

/Gudelj 59 - Martinelli 45+4, Gabriel Jesus 53/

Benfica - Sociedad 0-1 (0-0)

/Barrenetxea 63/

Lens - PSV 1-1 (0-0)

/Wahi 65 - Bakayoko 55/

Braga - Real Madrid 1-2 (0-1)

/Djalo 63 - Rodrygo 16, Bellingham 61/

Wednesday

Feyenoord - Lazio 3-1 (2-0)

/Gimenez 31, 74, Zerrouki 45+2 - Pedro 83 pen/

Barcelona - Shakhtar 2-1 (2-0)

/Torres 28, Lopez 36 - Sudakov 62/

22.00: (1.80) PSG (3.70) Milan (5.00)

22.00: (1.80) Newcastle (3.70) Dortmund (5.00)

22.00: (3.90) Celtic (3.60) Atl.Madrid (2.05)

22.00: (15.0) Young Boys (7.25) Man.City (1.22)

22.00: (1.28) RB Leipzig (6.75) Crvena Zvezda (10.5)

22.00: (3.80) Antwerp (3.50) Porto (2.10)

***odds are subject to change