The keys to Barça's 'takeoff' in the most decisive stretch of the season

"They have done all a partidazo, to individual level and like team. We have done the things of excellent form. It is moment to dream", were the statements of Xavi Hernández after the victory of the FC Barcelona against the Athletic of Madrid. It treats of his more positive message in what it goes of year and a 'proof' that, of some way, have freed of the pressure that racked them in these last times.

And it is that the Barça began the 2024 wrapped in doubts and without answers. January was the hardest month of a team that saw how the Real Madrid distanciaba in the classification and him goleaba in the final of the Supercopa of Spain, whereas the Athletic Club threw him, also, of the Glass of Rey. The month finished with the goleada of the Villarreal in the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Compannys and the announcement of the resignation of Xavi Hernández, effective from 30 June of this year.

The 'takeoff' safer of the Barça

Since, the team has gone reacting little by little. They have contested ten parties since, with a balance of seven victories and three ties that have allowed him reach the second square of the classification, advancing to the Girona, and colarse in the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time from the season 2019/2020; the one of the pandemia and bubble of Lisbon. They have gone giving 'steps of baby' until finding a version much more regulate and that, as it explained the trainer, allows them dream.

Still it remains a lot of way so that the Barça was the team that mark the difference and that it can keep the rhythm to add, for example, five victories followed, but yes that it has noticed an important mejoría in several key appearances. The step forward has been directed by a 'mix' between the veterans -the famous 'holy cows'- and the talent exported from The Masia. Players like Marc-André ter Stegen, Robert Lewandowski and Ílkay Gündogan have taken the reins in a team in which Pau Caubarsí (17) and Lamine Yamal (16) also are leading.

The Barça suffers less in defence

Where more has noticed the mejoría has been in the retaguardia. The culés add 403 minutes without fitting goals (from the visit to the Real Celtic Club in Balaídos). The presence of Araújo and Cubarsí in the axis has been vital, but also the contribution of Andreas Christensen from the mediocentro and the regularity that, finally, have found Jules Koundé and Joao Cancel. Every time it has been more difficult that 'win' the back to the defenders and always appears a player more to correct.

To all this, it is necessary to add him the presence of Marc-André ter Stegen. Against the Athletic of Madrid showed a decisive version and that 'kept' the calm when the picture rojiblanco had options to discount in the marker. After his injury has gone back to be a wall and results a key piece for the consistency of the team in the final metres. It is the silent leader under the three sticks.

Step forward to offensive level

The new defensive solvency has been backed by a step forward in what to the creativity and offensive contribution refers . Gündogan Has turned into the vital piece of the centre of the field of the Barça and an indisputable player, carrying the reins of the team even when they have not been present Frenkie of Jong and Pedri González. The Teutonic has not gone down the rhythm and is the 'culprit' of the extra step to the hour to advance lines, something of what usually take advantage of Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal, maximum references in the attack.

The international with Poland seems to have recovered completely no only his smell goleador but also his contribution in the creation of occasions. In front of the Athletic left the best proof of this, with two assistances and a goal. When it participates to the Barça does him much easier have the offensive command of the party. To this, it is necessary to add him the promotion of a Lamine that is the most differential piece to offensive level. His desparpajo, creativity, speed and big capacity to define turn him into the hope, to present and future, of the club.