The famous Barcelona is sure of the round of 16 after four rounds. The Catalans played against the Dynamo in the Ukrainian capital in a significantly changed line-up, but did not disappoint their supporters. After an indistinct first half, they broke through a total of four times after the break, of which Martin Braithwaite – the main star of the evening – headed for the black twice.
Sergiño Dest and Antoine Griezmann also signed under the four-goal shot. And then that it won’t work without the greatest support. Coach Ronald Koeman thus eased the pressure on his person, at least for a while, although the league race will be more crucial.
Barcelona presented itself in Kiev with a number of announced changes, including the absence of Lionel Messi. The Argentine was given time off before the weekend’s match with Osasuna, as were the other players. The Catalan offensive thus consisted of Coutinho, Pedri, Trincã and Braithwait. Dynamo has not yet won in the Champions League and trusted in the significantly changed Barcelona. After all, it was the last chance to still keep the chance to advance among the top 16.
In the first half, a somewhat typical picture of the Barcelona game from recent years was seen, ie more frequent holding of the balloon, but worse efficiency. Dynamo matched his opponent with fighting spirit and the world wondered Barcelona. The initial forty-five minutes were a lot about fighting spirit, and the goalless state probably didn’t surprise anyone who watched the match. Just one shot on goal from both camps, of course, there could be no satisfaction with that. Both teams decided to continue after the change of sides in the same groups, and in the end it was more evidence of Barce.
52 minutes into the game, Martin Braithwaite almost gave the visitors the lead, as he clipped a delicate lob over the keeper, but the ball glanced harmlessly off the crossbar. Dynamo had to open the game and it was, of course, water for the mill. Five minutes later, he extended the centered ball from the corner flag of Minguez and Martin Braithwaite closed the whole action on the back post. It was by no means an offside, and in that case the Blaugranas were two goals away.
Only at this moment did the experienced coach Mircea Lucescu decide to take turns and put Andrijevski and Popov into the game. Dynamo managed to get to the visiting penalty, but goalkeeper ter Stegen, who came on with the captain’s armband, had no job. The home side then worsened when Braithwaite was pushed on a small lime and Judge Jug whistled a penalty kick. The victim Martin Braithwite himself chose a tight shot to the post and although Buščan caught the direction, he could not catch the penalty. Barcelona’s progress has become a done deal.
Barcelona’s lead by three goals was already crucial and few people believed that the home team could further dramatize the match. On the contrary, Barca was in trouble and had other options. After a return pass, Desta finished high above Puig from the first. Dynamo eventually caught a debacle, and Barcelona hit his net once more. In the 89th minute, Buščan sent Destova an unpleasant blow, but he still collected in the setting. Antoine Griezmann missed one chance a moment before and only managed to prevail in the second moment.
Barcelona won a high 4: 0 on the ground of Dynamo Kyiv and secured advance to the elimination phase in advance. However, it is not clear about the first place in the group and in the rest of the matches Barcelona and the second Juventus will compete for it. The Ukrainian team is waiting for the battle for third place with Ferencváros.
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