The past two UEFA Champions League campaigns haven’t been quite pleasant for FC Barcelona, with the Spanish giants suffering group-stage eliminations. However, this season, under Xavi’s leadership and with confidence gained from winning the La Liga title last season, they are optimistic about progressing to the next stage.
Barcelona faced the Portuguese giants FC Porto at Estádio do Dragão, where the Spanish side secured a hard-fought victory with a single-goal margin, courtesy of Ferran Torres, who replaced the injured Robert Lewandowski.
Robert Lewandowski’s La Liga return in sight
Barcelona talismanic striker Robert Lewandowski joined Frenkie De Jong, Pedri, and Raphinha on the injury list after he was brought off in the 34th minute of the first half against FC Porto following a heavy challenge that left him injured.
The Polish international is an undisputed starter in Xavi’s lineup at Barcelona. Lewandowski has made a total of 10 appearances for the Catalan side, contributing 10 goals, with 9 starts and one as a substitute this season in all competitions.
Lewandowski was seen limping as he walked off the pitch after his substitution, and he was later spotted sitting on the bench with an ice pack on his leg. This suggests that the injury might not be too serious.
According to Barca manager, Xavi Hernandez, the injury of the striker is not as severe and the 35-year-old could recover in time to face Granada in La Liga next Sunday.
The Spanish champions reside in the 2nd spot in the league table only behind their arch-rival Real Madrid. They have gathered 20 points in the 8 matches with 6 wins and 2 draws respectively. Barcelona remains unbeaten this season in all competitions.
Ferran Torres heroics seal win for Barcelona in absence of Lewandowski
The former Manchester City player, who joined the Catalan giants last season, came off the bench as a substitute to replace the injured Lewandowski against FC Porto on Tuesday and eventually netted the match-winner for his side, assisted by Ilkay Gündogan.
Despite a couple of controversial decisions by the Referee Anthony Taylor and VAR, the penalty decision of a handball by João Cancelo in favor of the home side was overturned. Moreover, Porto striker Mehdi Taremi’s goal was flagged offside.
The 23-year-old Ferran Torres scored his fourth goal of the season, marking his first in the Champions League. With this victory, the Blaugrana now occupies the top spot in Group H, securing two consecutive wins and a total of 6 points in this UEFA Champions League campaign.
