Cadiz 0-1 Barcelona: Joao Felix’s goal helps Xavi’s team narrowly defeat Cadiz and keep their slim chances of winning the La Liga title alive.
Barcelona managed to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Cadiz in La Liga on Saturday, keeping their slim hopes of clinching the title alive. Xavi Hernandez, watching from the stands, fielded a mostly second-string team, with one eye on the upcoming second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
The opening goal came in the 36th minute, courtesy of Joao Felix’s impressive overhead kick from a corner. Shortly after, Fermin Lopez had a shot cleared off the line, showcasing Cadiz’s determination to level the score.
In the second half, Barcelona pushed hard for a second goal, but Cadiz had a goal disallowed from Juanmi and a penalty appeal against Pau Cubarsi was ignored. Marc-Andre Ter Stegen made a crucial save to deny Diadie Samassekou’s long-range effort, ensuring Barcelona held on for all three points and maintained an eight-point gap to Real Madrid.
Barcelona’s focus now shifts to their upcoming clash against PSG on Tuesday, while Cadiz will face Girona next Saturday.
One talking point from the match is Vitor Roque’s struggles. While Robert Lewandowski’s impressive form has been crucial for Barcelona’s title chase, Roque has failed to make a significant impact. Barcelona will need all the help they can get in the remaining matches, and Roque’s improvement is essential.
The player of the match was Joao Felix, who displayed flashes of quality throughout the game. Although not consistently dangerous, his contributions were enough to secure the victory. He was substituted early, potentially in preparation for a starting role against PSG.
Player ratings for Barcelona:
– Ter Stegen 7
– Alonso 7
– Roberto 6
– Fort 7
– Cubarsi 6
– Christensen 6
– Fermin 6
– Romeu 6
– Ferran 6
– Joao Felix 7
– Roque 5
Subs:
– Pedri 7
– Raphinha 6
– Kounde 6
– Lamine Yamal 6
– Casado 6
Player ratings for Cadiz:
– Ledesma 6
– Alcaraz 6
– Javi Hernandez 6
– Chust 6
– Ousou 6
– Iza 6
– Navarro 6
– Fernandez 6
– Ramos 6
– Juanmi 5
– Sobrino 6
Subs:
– Gomez 6
– Roger 6
– Samassekou 6
– Machis 6
– Pires 6
Key events from the match:
– 24′ – ALONSO CORNER – The corner is overhit, but Fermin manages to volley a low effort from outside the box, which goes wide.
– 33′ – FORT SHOT – Ledesma backpedals to save a Fort cross that was close to sneaking under the bar. Roberto’s shot from a corner misses the target.
– 36′ – GOAL! CADIZ 0-1 BARCELONA – JOAO FELIX SCORES – Barcelona breaks the deadlock as Felix executes an overhead kick from a corner, finding the bottom corner of the net.
– 42′ – FERMIN MISS – Chust comes to the rescue as Fermin beats the keeper but shoots straight at him.
– 54′ – JUANMI SCORES! NO! OFFSIDE – Juanmi sweeps the ball into the near post, but it is ruled offside.
– 79′ – TER STEGEN SAVE – Samassekou’s curling shot from long range is well caught by Ter Stegen, who palms it away brilliantly.