Barcelona’s Starlet Calls Out Team’s Performance in Draw with Real Betis
Barcelona’s impressive run in La Liga hit a stumbling block on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Betis. Despite taking an early lead through Gavi, a former Betis youth player, Barcelona’s lackluster performance throughout the match left their star defender, Pau Cubarsi, fuming. The 18-year-old did not hold back in criticizing his team’s effort and commitment, admitting that they failed to give their all in what should have been a straightforward win.
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A Lack of Desire: Barcelona’s Underwhelming Display
Barcelona had an ideal start in front of their home crowd at the Camp Nou, with Gavi finishing off a smooth passing sequence to give his team a 1-0 lead just seven minutes into the match. However, things quickly turned sour as Real Betis equalized less than 20 minutes later with a header from Natan, who capitalized on a poorly defended corner.
Despite dominating possession, Barcelona struggled to create significant chances, posting a low expected goals (xG) tally of just 1.3 — a figure that is uncharacteristic for a team with such attacking depth.
Cubarsi Criticizes Team’s Effort
Following the match, Pau Cubarsi pulled no punches in his assessment of the game, stating that the team failed to deliver on the most fundamental level: work ethic. “We didn’t give 100% today. We lacked the determination and desire to win,” the defender said, visibly frustrated. “You could see it on the pitch. We gave them energy and life, and in the end, they managed to get a draw.”
Cubarsi pointed out that while Barcelona had been performing well in recent days, they were unable to bring the same intensity to this match. “We didn’t come out the way we should have in the first half,” he continued. “The game was slow, and honestly, it was even boring for the fans.”
Excuses and Accountability
Interestingly, Cubarsi dismissed the tight schedule and fatigue as excuses for the team’s poor performance. “Yes, we had a heavy schedule, but that’s no excuse,” he said. “We are Barcelona, and we need to put in the effort. If we want to win titles, we have to step up. The Atletico Madrid game took a toll on us, but today we should have been sharper.”
The young defender’s criticism wasn’t just aimed at his teammates but was a call to action for the entire squad to take responsibility and fight harder, especially considering the upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund.
Raphinha’s Frustration Boils Over
While Cubarsi’s comments focused on the team’s collective effort, Raphinha displayed his frustration in a more fiery manner. The Brazilian winger was seen arguing aggressively with the assistant referee during the final moments of the game. Raphinha’s verbal outburst, directed at the official, included the heated remark: “You’re not telling me to shut up!” His angry exchanges with the referee were eventually quelled by his teammates, including Robert Lewandowski and Marc-André ter Stegen, but his behavior reflected the frustration of many on the pitch.
Flick’s Optimistic Take on the Draw
Despite the disappointing performance, Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s head coach, took a more positive view of the outcome, especially in the context of the broader league standings. “I’m happy with the point,” Flick said. “We have one game less and one point more. Sometimes you create chances, and the opponent defends well. This was one of those games.”
Currently sitting atop La Liga with a four-point lead, Barcelona will look to shake off this disappointing result as they prepare for their Champions League quarter-final clash with Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.
What’s Next for Barcelona?
Despite their early success this season, Barcelona’s recent performances have raised questions about their consistency, particularly in big games. As the team heads into the Champions League and La Liga’s final stretch, can they rediscover their dominant form, or will this dip in effort hinder their title ambitions?
Do you think Barcelona can bounce back and reclaim their top spot in La Liga, or is this a sign of deeper issues?
