![Barcelona's German midfielder #22 Ilkay Gundogan, Barcelona's French defender #23 Jules Kounde, Barcelona's Uruguayan defender #04 Ronald Araujo and Barcelona's Dutch midfielder #21 Frenkie de Jong react at the end of the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Girona FC at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona on December 10, 2023.](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Barcelona-players-react-at-the-end-of-the-La-Liga-match-between-FC-Barcelona-and-Girona-FC.jpg)
The match against Girona has left Barcelona quite bruised and battered. La Blaugrana came into this game with a lot of hopes and expectations, but ultimately remained disappointed after the final whistle.
For Xavi’s Barcelona, this game was undoubtedly a step in the worst possible direction. Even though the players looked to be in a low state after the end of the game, that feeling has translated into their latest recovery session.
With more details provided about it in depth, SPORT has highlighted the look of the Barcelona team following that 2-4 defeat to Girona.
Originally, a draw between Real Madrid and Real Betis gave a real opportunity to Barcelona. The Catalan giants could now ensure that by achieving victory over Girona, they could have come within 1 point of their Catalan opponents and only 2 behind Real Madrid.
However, SPORT acknowledges that maybe this hasty desire to win took over. Forgetting the basics and simply looking to win, Barcelona mismanaged their game from start to finish. These moments of haste and hesitation combined to give Michel’s side exactly what they needed. Alas, the result was devastating for Xavi’s men.
In the latest recovery session, the feelings were not positive either. Players barely talked and there was a dull gloom within the air. This missed opportunity will weigh heavily on the Barcelona players, and how Xavi decides to deal with it is a complete mystery.
Self-reflection and self-assessment are the primary concerns for the players right now. Looking ahead, there is a game coming up against Royal Antwerp in the UEFA Champions League. More or less having nothing at stake, it will be a chance to give less active players an opportunity.
Afterwards, a trip to the Mestalla to face off against Valencia will then be followed by a visit from Almeria at the Montjuic Stadium. In terms of official matches, these are the ones that Barça will have to ensure they get all possible points from before the end of the year.
By achieving all these points, at least Barcelona can instill some hope. Heading into the new year, the Catalan giants definitely need to have something on their back that will push them forward.