FC Barcelona did not show any weakness before the Champions League match with FC Bayern and defeated last-placed Cadiz. The Blaugrana, who changed in many positions, disappointed in the first half, but Lewandowski still scored. Shortly before the end, a medical emergency in the stands led to a long interruption.
In the dress rehearsal before the Champions League match against FC Bayern Munich on Tuesday (9 p.m.), the Catalans were quite surprising in terms of line-up: Xavi again fielded only two players who had played against Pilsen during the week from the start in ter Stegen and de Jong.
This meant: three-packers Lewandowski, Ansu Fati, Dembelé – they were all spared against the last-place team from Andalusia and initially found themselves on the bench.
Cadiz have been a sort of fearful opponent for the Catalans in the recent past, who have not been able to win any of the past four league games against the hosts. Cadiz showed why again in the first half.
Barça disappoint – Raphinha at the posts
Barça played too pomaded offensively, Raphinha missed the ball again and again, and the other attacking players did not manage much either. Cadiz quickly adapted to the attacks of the Blaugrana, who could not find a way through, showed no ideas and had too little pace in the game. Therefore, after 45 minutes, only one double chance was really on the cards: Raphinha took a shot and hit the post, then Ledesma had to save against Ferran Torres (11th).
After a weak first half, Barça started the second half very tired, but de Jong took advantage of a rebound and put the visitors in the lead (55th).
Lewandowski comes on and scores – game stopped for long time
Nearly an hour was played, then it was time and Xavi brought on Pedri, Dembelé and Lewandowski (57.). And that should pay off immediately, because Lewandowski dusted off shortly after his substitution ice-cold and made everything clear (65.).
Bellerin had made his Barça debut from the kick-off and Marcos Alonso, a newcomer from Chelsea FC, also got his first minutes in the closing stages. Shortly before the end, there was a hectic atmosphere in the stands due to a medical emergency. Cadiz goalkeeper Ledesma threw a defibrillator into the stands, Araujo and other players prayed on the pitch. After a long wait, the players left the pitch, only returning after almost 45 minutes to complete the final nine minutes after a short warm-up.
Lewandowksi involved in two more goals
Cadiz tried to fight back once more, but ran into a counter-attack, in which Lewandowski broke through strongly and handed Ansu Fati the 3:0 on a silver platter (86th). Lewandowski was also involved in the fourth goal, he fed Dembelé, who left half the back line standing and scored the final goal (90.+2).
The Blaugrana had no trouble getting the three points that had been expected. Something will probably change on Tuesday against FC Bayern, both in terms of attitude and personnel.
