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Barcelona and Benfica played out a goalless stalemate at the Camp Nou on the fifth matchday of the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League.
Both teams went at each other as they looked to secure their place in the knockouts. However, both Benfica and Barcelona now need a result on the sixth matchday to reach the Round of 16.
Xavi's first Champions League game as Barcelona manager was a bit underwhelming. The team still lacks the urge to push throughout the 90 minutes, despite a change in management.
On a positive note, Xavi knows the issues afflicting his squad, and has commenced his tenure by solidifying the basics. Benfica presented a formidable challenge, but Barcelona showed promise. They were more confident on the ball, composed at playing out from the back and authoritative in possession.
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However, Benfica were equally impressive for large swathes of the game. The Portuguese side were rock solid in the middle of the park, and stood tall against a talented Barcelona midfield. Jorge Jesus' men only allowed three shots on target away from home at Barcelona, something the visitors should be proud of.
On that note, here's a look at the five talking points from the game:
#5 Xavi places faith in Barcelona's La Masia graduates
In his first Champions League game as Barcelona manager, Xavi dropped some senior players for a bunch of teenagers from La Masia. That was quite a bold move that could've backfired for the four-time Champions League winners.
17-year-old wunderkind Gavi, 18-year-old winger Yusuf Demir and 19-year-old midfielder Nico González featured in Barcelona's XI. Gavi was a regular figure even under Ronald Koeman.
Xavi had the likes of Phillipe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele and Luuk de Jong on the bench. But the 41-year-old preferred to go for balance over big names in his XI. It did not pay off as much as Xavi would've liked, though, as Barcelona now find themselves on the tip of a knife, which brings us to our next point:
#4 Barcelona on the brink of Champions League group-stage exit
The stalemate against Benfica at home means Barcelona need a result at the Allianz Arena against high-flying Bayern Munich to have any hope of reaching the Round of 16.
As things stand, Barcelona have seven points from five games, two more points than second-placd Benfica. However, Benfica will be playing Dynamo Kyiv at home, a game they're expected to win. Meanwhile, Barcelona face a tough challenge at the home of group winners Bayern Munich.
Barcelona would hope for a favour from Dynamo Kyiv in Lisbon, as Xavi's men are unlikely to get a result against Bayern Munich away from home.
#3 Veterans Nicolas Otamendi and Jan Vertonghen showcase their experience on the big stage
Nicolas Otamendi of Benfica had an impressive outing at Barcelona. He had some rough months in England before his move to Benfica. But the two-time Premier League winner showed his ability to put in a shift on the big stage.
Memphis Depay spent the entire evening either straying offside or failing to win aerial and ground duels. The Dutch international did not get a sniff at goal, courtesy of a brilliant performance from the former Manchester City player.
Otamendi had his focus on not letting Memphis Depay get into his groove. Meanwhile, Jan Vertonghen was challenged by Nico Gonzalez and Yusuf Demir, but the defender came out on top. He helped secure a clean sheet for his team, completing five recoveries, two tackles and winning seven duels.
#2 It could've gone from bad to worse for Barcelona
Ronald Araujo was centimetres away from being Barcelona's first Champions League goal-scorer under Xavi. But the goal was ruled out for offside. The defender had got on the end of a Jordi Alba cross brilliantly in the 83rd minute, and produced a fabulous finish.
Minutes after Araújo's goal was ruled out, Benfica found themselves in a two-on-one position against Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Haris Seferovic was gifted with the best chance of the game in the dying minutes. All he had to do was keep his shot on target to win the game for Benfica.
Somehow, the 29-year-old managed to fluff his lines, and hit his shot off target. That gave Barcelona something to hang on for the night and the final matchday.
Benfica, despite producing a top-notch performance, have themselves to blame if they do not qualify for the knockouts. They had as many shots on target as Barcelona did, but the Portuguese team couldn't convert their chances when it mattered the most.
#1 Sergio Busquets continues to amaze
The phrase 'age like fine wine' might just be written for Sergio Busquets. He produced another night of pure quality and precision. The 33-year-old dominated the middle of the pitch, just like he used to alongside his current manager.
Busquets racked up a whopping 111 touches throughout the 90 minutes, and everything Barcelona did went through him, like it has been for the past decade. The midfielder maestro created three chances, completed 79 accurate passes, won 12 duels on the pitch and completed 14 recoveries. He was one of the best Champions League performers of the week.
Talented and world-class midfielders have arrived at Barcelona over the years, and left without making a name for themselves. But Busquets has been a mainstay from day one for the club.
Giving him adequate rest while also keeping him fit for the important games would certainly be one of the biggest challenges Xavi would face in his tenure as Barcelona's manager.
