The Blaugrana failed to score a goal for the first time in 93 days as Galatasaray held them to a 0-0 draw in the Europa League on Thursday.
A lack of intensity and ideas in the attack cost Barcelona against Galatasaray, according to manager Xavi Hernandez.
Barcelona’s four-match winning run ended on Thursday in a costly 0-0 draw at home to Galatasaray in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
Frenkie de Jong came closest to scoring a winner when he hit the post in the second half. Memphis Depay nearly scored twice but Galatasaray goalkeeper Inaki Pena – currently on loan from Barcelona – denied the Dutchman.
‘We should have won’
The underwhelming goalless draw means Barcelona have it all to do in the second leg next week, leaving Xavi frustrated.
“When you lower your intensity, this happens,” the manager told reporters after the final whistle.
“I told the team in half-time. When you lower your intensity, everything is more even. We lacked ideas in attack. We have to be calmer when giving the final pass.”
Xavi added: “Our match wasn’t excellent by any means, but I think we should have won. We should have won, to be fair. At least 1-0. But we have to give Galatasaray full credit. They were very good in defense, intense, and aggressive.”
Can Barcelona win the second leg?
Xavi’s men head to Istanbul next week needing to win the second leg of their last-16 tie to progress to the Europa League quarter-final.
Despite their away disadvantage, the bookies are still backing Barcelona to win the match. Through Bet365, an away win is currently priced at 1.44 – which implies Barca have a 69% chance of winning at the time of writing.
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Europa League
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
