FC Barcelona had a difficult match against Intercity in the Copa del Rey, which saw 6 goals scored, 3 by each side, during the normal time. As the match went to extra time, it was Ansu Fati who scored the decisive goal in the 103rd minute and ensure Barcelona’s advance to the next round of the tournament.
This goal scored by the Spanish youngster was as important for Barcelona as it was for the player himself. As previously reported, Barcelona’s first-team striker Robert Lewandowski’s three-game ban has been maintained by the Administrative Court of Sport (TAD), after it was suspended by a court in Madrid.
As a result, the Blaugranes would have to look for replacements from the squad who can best play the role of a center forward. Ferran Torres, Memphis Depay, and Ansu Fati were being considered for this position prior to the last night’s match.
However, Ansu’s performance in the match against Intercity has uplifted him as the clear favorite to replace Lewandowski during his absence due to the suspension as per the reports from Mundo Deportivo. This decision was particularly influenced by the three players’ shooting stats.
Raphinha, during his 59 minutes on the pitch had 4 shots on goal, with 3 being on target, while Dembele played 105 minutes, and had 6 shots, 3 of which were on target. Ansu Fati, while only playing 46 minutes had 4 shots, with 2 being on target. This accuracy, along with the decisive goal that he scored, has now made up Xavi’s mind to play Fati in Lewandowski’s place during the Pole’s suspension.
