Recent history has not been kind to Barcelona following the international break. For one reason or another, the Catalan side tend to struggle in their first match back regardless of the opponent.
On the whole, that turned out to be the case against Real Mallorca. However, this time around, Robert Lewandowski ensured his side got the three points thanks to a wondergoal in the 20th minute.
His goal turned out to be the difference maker as Barcelona won 1-0 to climb atop the standings in LaLiga, pending the result of Real Madrid’s match against Osasuna.
With that being said, here are three talking points from the win.
Lewandowski continues impressive scoring streak
Lewandowski was once again the difference maker for Barcelona.
THIS TURN AND FINISH FROM LEWY 😤 pic.twitter.com/7BQQAoEl1O
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 1, 2022
The Polish striker turned something out of nothing to score the only goal of the game. He’s now scored nine goals in seven matches to pull further away in the Pichichi standings and become the fastest to reach nine goals in LaLiga in the 21st century, according to OptaJose.
https://twitter.com/OptaJose/status/1576297002010259458
“Lewandowski is a player who gives you guarantees, it’s very clear,” Xavi said. “I’d argue he’s the best goal scorer in the world.”
Xavi’s experimental line-up produced mixed results
With injuries to some important players, Xavi was forced to put out an alternate side in defense. Alejandro Balde played at right-back with Jordi Alba starting at left-back for the first time since the first match of the season against Rayo Vallecano. Gerard Pique and Andreas Christensen started at center-back.
During Mallorca’s best passage of play, they attacked Barcelona down both flanks. Balde had a decent game considering he was playing out of position but Alba showed at times why he’s no longer first choice.
“We are happy to win this game after the international break.” Balde said. “It’s the first time I’ve played on the right side, but we have to be ready for all situations. We have to continue like this to achieve great things.”
Out of the four defenders, Christensen had the best game of the bunch. The former Chelsea player has been in and out of the squad early on but he’s delivered when called upon. With Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde out, he’s going to be heavily relied upon and, so far, he’s not put a foot wrong.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen back to his Barcelona best
Barcelona kept a clean sheet for the sixth time in seven games. They’ve allowed only one goal and that came in their second game against Real Sociedad.
One of the major reasons has to do with Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The German goalkeeper has had an excellent start to the season following a lackluster last season where the opponent’s first shot of the game always seemed to turn into a goal.
An improvement in defense is also a contributing factor but Ter Stegen has been up to the task when called upon and he made another great save against Mallorca. With another clean sheet, Ter Stegen set a new personal best in minutes without conceding.
🚨 𝙉𝙀𝙒 𝙋𝙀𝙍𝙎𝙊𝙉𝘼𝙇 𝙍𝙀𝘾𝙊𝙍𝘿 !! Marc ter Stegen has just surpassed his previous best of 500 minutes without conceding! Congratulations, @mterstegen1! Keep going!👏👏👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/uwwaojkDvz
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 1, 2022
Postgame, Ter Stegen also alluded to Barcelona’s struggles coming out of the break.
“It’s hard to go back from the international break, we struggled but it’s good that we came out with the win,” Ter Stegen said. “It doesn’t matter the score or how we got it, the win is what is important.”
As the Barcelona keeper said, the win is the most important thing. Especially with the stretch of upcoming games.
Barcelona now turn their attention to the Champions League where they travel to Italy to take on Inter Milan.