SETTABLOID

The victory over Cadiz went to FC Barcelona for being careful with the smallest and finest of details. Despite fielding an XI with many rotations, Xavi’s side overcame their opponents at the Nuevo Mirandilla. However, if there is one name to be singled out for keeping Cadiz at bay, it was the young sentinel of Barcelona.

world of football through his feats at Barcelona. Already having marshaled some of European football’s finest forwards, the young Spaniard continues to exude confidence and display extraordinary levels of footballing ability and understanding of the game.

That is why, as per Gabriel Sans of Mundo Deportivo, his presence is already a guarantee against Paris Saint-Germain. His potential remains immeasurable, yet he has already become a first-team mainstay for FC Barcelona. Against PSG, his presence is vital and crucial, just as much as any of Xavi’s most important players.

Even against Cadiz, his numbers do a decent job at capturing what he brings to the team. In terms of defensive output, he was the player on the entire field with the most number of ball recoveries. The young Barcelona academy product ended up making 11 recoveries in total during the match.

On the other end of things, he was creatively just as effective as always. While he was not given the liberty to deliver his typical advanced passes too often in this game, he was still the player on the pitch with the most number of completed passes. He completed a total of 68 passes, and was followed by Sergi Roberto’s 66, despite the latter being a midfielder.

Already the most commonly revalued player in La Liga, his transfer value has seen unprecedented levels of growing heights. A justified increase, given his contributions and performances at the highest level of European football.

Now among the highest-valued young defenders in Europe, Cubarsi’s presence against PSG in front of the Montjuic crowd is something that Barcelona joyously counts on.

FC Barcelona have often found themselves in complicated situations in recent times due to a lack of depth. Whether that lack of depth comes from financial issues or simply a lack of quality, it has harmed the club significantly. Fortunately for Barcelona, the team seems much more balanced as it currently stands.

However, the lineup that Xavi ultimately fielded gives some clues as to what the next encounter could look like for them.

As highlighted by SPORT, the lineup that took on Cadiz gives some clear indications about the potential Barcelona team that will face Paris Saint-Germain. Arguably their most important encounter of the season, the PSG clash at the Montjuic Stadium will define what Barça’s hopes for this season look like.

Within the back line, the presence of Pau Cubarsi will be definite as well. Despite playing against Cadiz as well, Xavi stated that he accumulated less fatigue than some of his other teammates so his presence is a given. Alongside him, the likes of Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, and Joao Cancelo should be the other guarantees.

FC Barcelona kept their La Liga title hopes alive as they beat Cadiz in their last league match on Saturday. With this win, the difference between Real Madrid and Barcelona still remains eight points, as the Merengues were also able to win their match against Mallorca.

The Portuguese Joao Felix was the difference maker, as he scored the only goal of the match. This strike once again showed that the on-loan winger does not need too many minutes to shine, and can be a differential player when on song.

As SPORT has reported, Felix talked to the media after the match, and explained how he scored the goal, while also commenting on how he feels about the stadium in particular:

“I saw the ball up there, I tried it, and the goal came out… Two years ago I did a bicycle kick here, this field brings me luck.”

Felix also commented on how he wants to help the team whenever he can, and is working to be a starter for Xavi:

“We all work to be starters and play as much as possible. I try to do my best to help the team, when I’m on the field I try to show what I can do. We all work to be starters, I want to help, I know I can contribute good things.”

Barcelona were the clear favorites going into this match, but Cadiz were able to put up a strong fight against the Catalans. Thus, Felix was thankful for the three points obtained in this match:

“It was a great match on a field that is not easy at all. We are happy for the three points. We suffered a lot, we should have controlled the game more, but Cádiz is fighting for their life and the end of the season is like that.”

We are happy after winning on a tough field. We wanted to secure the victory and keep a clean sheet. It was tough at the end, but we managed to pull through.”

Overall, the Portuguese international was quite happy with his performance, and was hopeful he can maintain his levels for the coming months as well:

“I’m happy to be back, it’s been a long time. It’s an opportunity to get some minutes and show that I’m feeling good. Let’s see if I can get some consistency and finish the season well.”

The latest goal celebration on the part of Barcelona star João Félix has piqued attentions across the club’s fanbase this evening.

As much comes after the Portuguese made a beeline for a member of the Barca bench.

Xavi’s troops, of course, are currently locked in action.

Sandwiched between the two legs of the club’s Champions League quarter-final tie with Paris Saint-Germain, the Blaugrana have made the trip to the Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla, for a La Liga meeting with Cádiz.

The evening’s visitors headed into proceedings aware that nothing but a victory would suffice, after table-topping Real Madrid extended their advantage courtesy of a hard-fought downing of Mallorca earlier in the day.

And, as things stand, a three-point haul of their own is precisely what Barcelona are headed towards.

This comes owing to a solitary goal, netted in stunning fashion by the aforementioned João Félix.

After the ball popped up in the air from an inswinging corner from the right, Félix showed off his acrobatic side, to direct a brilliant bicycle kick into the bottom corner.

The 24-year-old was in turn mobbed by his teammates, abuzz with his moment of magic.

Félix himself, though, soon turned his attentions towards the Barca bench, where he called upon an attacking partner-in-crime to join his celebrations.

A heavily-rotated Barcelona earned a 1-0 win at La Liga strugglers Cadiz on Saturday night.

Joao Felix’s showstopping overhead kick towards the end of the first half proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Barca have closed the gap on La Liga leaders Real Madrid back to eight points ahead of their meeting in El Clasico next weekend, while Cadiz remain three points adrift from safety in 18th.

How the game unfolded

Barcelona carved out the game’s first half-chance when a deep cross from Ferran Torres met Felix ghosting in at the far post, but he sliced his volley off his shin and the ball sailed harmlessly behind for a Cadiz goal kick.

The hosts went close to a surprise lead when Javier Hernandez ghosted forward from left-back and fired at the near post, with his powerful shot pushed to safety by Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

A cross from Hector Fort looked to be sailing right into the top corner, but goalkeeper Jeremias Ledesma came up with a quick reaction save to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Just before half-time, Barcelona went in front in spectacular fashion. Marcos Alonso’s corner was flicked on by Cadiz’s Alex Fernandez and into the path of Felix, who produced a stunning overhead kick to put Barca ahead.

Fermin Lopez thought he had doubled the lead soon after. He looked to have a simple tap-in at the end of a clever move which saw him teed up by a Sergi Roberto header, but his shot was cleared off the line by Victor Chust.

On the other side of the break, Cadiz were denied an equaliser by an offside flag. Juanmi was on hand to slot home a low through ball from Maxi Gomez, but he was several yards ahead of the last Barcelona defender and the goal was quickly chalked off.

Minutes later, Chust headed narrowly wide from a deep cross as Cadiz ramped up the pressure on their visitors.

Felix conjured up more magic with a lovely dribble inside from the left flank, teeing up Torres with a clever pass, but the winger’s shot was blocked by a sea of yellow Cadiz shirts.

With Barca’s next attack, Torres turned provider again for Felix with a curling cross, with the Portugal forward diverting his half-volley wide.

Cadiz wanted a penalty when Pau Cubarsi’s slide tackle hauled down Isaac Carcelen, but the offside flag went up. Replays suggested Carcelen was actually onside, though Cubarsi’s challenge took the ball first anyway.

Felix rattled the post with an exquisite strike after taking possession over from Fermin but again the offside flag curtailed the move from further advancing.

Ter Stegen had to be at his best to palm away a thumping effort from substitute Diadie Samassekou with effectively his first touch of the evening.

Barcelona dug in deep to close out the victory and maintain their forward momentum heading into the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final with PSG in midweek.

Barcelona player ratings (4-3-3)

GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen – 7/10 – Kept on his toes by a few outrageous strikes from Cadiz’s contingent. Really had to earn that clean sheet.

RB: Hector Fort – 6/10 – Showed his inexperience at points when Cadiz were in possession but was a good performer for the most part.

CB: Pau Cubarsi – 8/10 – Wow. It’s incredible that Barcelona are so consistently able to find these teenage talents. A senior performance from the rookie, stepping up when his side needed him. Walked a fine line between brilliant and clumsy with his lunging tackle on Carcelen.

CB: Andreas Christensen – 6/10 – Must have been nice for the Dane to start at centre-back having either played in midfield or been used as a substitute in recent weeks. Wasn’t quite as impressive as 17-year-old Cubarsi.

LB: Marcos Alonso – 6/10 – Troubled Cadiz with his set pieces, ultimately leading to Felix’s stunning goal, but didn’t offer much in open play. A lot of the hosts’ attacks came down his side.

CM: Sergi Roberto – 7/10 – Relished the added responsibility in this less familiar midfield. So nearly came up with a clever assist for Fermin in the first half.

CM: Oriol Romeu – 6/10 – Was at risk of being overrun by a spirited Cadiz midfield but was hardly drowning in such a contest.

CM: Fermin Lopez – 6/10 – Flittered between the lines providing flair and ingenuity but will have been disappointed not to have had a more tangible impact against one of La Liga’s lesser teams.

RW: Ferran Torres – 6/10 – Got involved plenty but the quality of his final ball – be that a shot, pass or cross – was lacking considering how often Barcelona got into good positions.

CF: Vitor Roque – 4/10 – Provided absolutely nothing in the first half and only got involved in the second before being hooked when trying to chase down loose balls. Still a long way off the standard required to start for Barcelona, but that’s understandable.

LW: Joao Felix – 8/10 – The kind of game that makes you think it should be a no-brainer for Barcelona to try and keep Felix. The spark of creativity, the leader of their attack, demanding the ball on any given occasion.

Substitutes

SUB: Pedri (62′ for Fort) – 6/10

SUB: Lamine Yamal (62′ for Roque) – 6/10

SUB: Jules Kounde (62′ for Christensen) – 6/10

SUB: Raphinha (80′ for Fermin) – 6/10

SUB: Marc Casado (85′ for Felix) – N/A

Subs not used: Inaki Pena (GK), Ander Astralaga (GK), Ronald Araujo, Mikayil Faye, Frenkie de Jong, Ilkay Gundogan, Marc Cuiu

Manager

Xavi – 7/10 – Barcelona were made to work for their victory, but they put in quite the shift considering the amount of changes made ahead of their Champions League clash with PSG.

Joao Felix spoke out after scoring a brilliant goal to hand Barcelona all three points against Cadiz on Saturday in La Liga.

The Portugal international netted a bicycle kick in the first half which turned out to be the only goal of the game.

Felix admitted after the game he loves playing at Cadiz and was happy to help his side pick up all three points.

We played a good game, this is not an easy ground to come too. We had to suffer, you have to do that at times, but we’re happy with the three points,” he told the media.

“I think we needed to control the game a bit more. They played a good game. They are fighting for their lives and this can happen.

“I always try to help the team as much as i can. I try to prepare and help even if it’s off the bench. I want to show what I can do. We all work to start. I am another one, I want to play, to help and I know I can help the team so I do everything I can to make sure I start and then it’s up to the manager.

“I scored a similar goal here before. I like playing at this ground. I saw the ball flying over me and I tried it and it went in.”

The win maintains Barca’s good form ahead of a massive week. Xavi’s side take on PSG next in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie before a Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Barcelona locked horns with Cadiz at the Nuevo Mirandilla earlier tonight as they tried to secure all three points on the road in La Liga. The Catalan club made a solid start to the game and got their noses ahead in the 37th minute when Joao Felix got his name on the scoresheet. Xavi’s men went into the half-time break 1-0 up on the scoreline.

A close encounter sees FC Barcelona leave the Nuevo Mirandilla as deserving victors. With a final scoreline of 0-1 to Barça, Cadiz are left distraught despite their best efforts. Ultimately, this complicates Cadiz’s relegation battle a bit more, and provides some level of comfort to Barcelona in their La Liga title challenge.

A phenomenal goal and some quick-thinking from Joao Felix is mainly to thank for this victory. His bicycle kick was well-timed and well-placed, ultimately giving all three points to Barcelona. Apart from that, the Blaugrana defense did their job well enough to ensure that Cadiz were not granted even a single goal.

Here is how the Barcelona players fared in this game.

Player Ratings:

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen: 7.0

Did not let the Barcelona goal feel like it was in danger throughout the game. The German goalkeeper continues to be the number one for Xavi’s Barcelona, and his quality remains as excellent as ever even when it comes to distribution.

Marcos Alonso: 6.5

The veteran, formerly from Chelsea, managed to do his job defensively. However, whenever he went on to attack during the game, his lack of pace or dynamism clearly let down the entirety of the offensive transition.

Photo by JORGE GUERRERO/AFP via Getty Images

The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana travel to Andalusia for an important La Liga game against Cádiz, and Xavi Hernández has called up the following 23 players for Saturday’s clash:

Goalkeepers: 1. Marc-André ter Stegen, 13. Iñaki Peña, 26. Ander Astralaga

Defenders: 4. Ronald Araujo, 15. Andreas Christensen, 17. Marcos Alonso, 23. Jules Kounde, 33. Pau Cubarsí, 39. Héctor Fort, 41. Mikayil Faye

Midfielders: 8. Pedri, 16. Fermín López, 18. Oriol Romeu, 20. Sergi Roberto, 21. Frenkie de Jong, 22. Ilkay Gündogan, 30. Marc Casadó

Forwards: 7. Ferran Torres, 11. Raphinha, 14. João Félix, 19. Vitor Roque, 27. Lamine Yamal, 38. Marc Guiu

There are no big surprises on the list as the players missing out are the ones we expected: Robert Lewandowski, João Cancelo and Iñigo Martínez are serving a one-game suspension, while Alejandro Balde (hamstring) and Gavi (knee) are out for the season due to injury. Xavi is expected to rotate his team and rest some key starters, so Barça Atlètic youngsters Mika Faye and Marc Casadó could get minutes in this one.

Predicted starting XI (4-3-3):

Ter Stegen; Fort, Araujo, Christensen, Alonso; Fermín, Roberto, De Jong; Ferran, Roque, Félix

The match kicks off at 9pm CET (Barcelona), 8pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 12.30am IST (India, Sunday), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.