Xavi linked Barcelona’s recent slump to a deluge of media scrutiny following the 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alavés, arguing that the narrative around the club can seep into performance on the pitch. He stressed that public commentary often amplifies pressure and can shift the mood of a squad during a tense run of results.
- Xavi attributes the dip in form to media pressure
- Lewandowski delivered again with scoring to seal the win
- Barcelona edged Alavés 2-1 to snap a mini-slump
WHAT HAPPENED: Barcelona hit a rough patch, losing two of their previous three matches across all competitions before Sunday’s clash with Alavés. The setback intensified when they fell behind after just 17 seconds of play. Yet the team recovered with grit after halftime, overturning the deficit through a clinical double from Robert Lewandowski. The victory offered a timely lift as the Catalan club navigated a challenging period with an eye on improving form and results.
WHAT THEY SAID: In remarks to reporters after the game, the Spanish coach acknowledged the impact of relentless media focus. He said there is a pervasive wave of negativity around the team, something that has followed him from his playing days and now echoes around the squad. He stressed that a constructive atmosphere within the dressing room remains essential to sustaining performance during difficult spells.
THE BIG PICTURE: The hard-fought 2-1 win narrowed the gap behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid to four points, illustrating how a positive result can reset momentum mid-season. Lewandowski’s return to scoring form in league play provided a much-needed boost, marking his first league goal since a brace against Celta Vigo on September 23 and signaling an uptick in his influence in attack.
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WHAT’S NEXT? After the international break, the champions will resume their campaign on November 25 with a home match against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, a fixture that could help sustain momentum and rebuild confidence ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.