---

@soccernews sets about analysing one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history, eclipsing Barcelona’s amazing comeback against PSG last season. Barcelona visited Roma with a 4-1 advantage but left with a Champions League exit. Just how does a team in fourth place of Serie A beat a team 11 points clear at the top of the La Liga charts?

Lack of a Backup Plan

Despite his achievements domestically, bringing Barcelona to the brink of a domestic double. Valverde will be much criticised for his decisions in this match. When things were going south, Valverde showed his lack of a plan B when Roma was allowed to continue dictating the game. As quoted from Mundo Deportivo, ‘Bad plan A and no plan B’. An away goal was all that was needed to kill the tie, but throughout the game, Barcelona never looked close to scoring it.

Focusing too much on defence and pragmatism, Valverde started Sergi Roberto and waited until the 85th minute to introduce Dembélé and Paulinho, allowing De Rossi, Radja Nainggolan and Kevin Strootman to dominate the midfield. Playing a 4-4-2 formation on the pitch showed Valverde’s contentment with containing, and it didn’t work out. Longs balls over the top unlocked Barcelona’s midfield as evident from the opening goal from Dzeko after a long pass from Alessandro Florenzi. The second goal was also a result of a long ball from midfield to Edin Dzeko who drew a penalty from Gerard Pique.

Ernesto’s lack of a backup plan caused Barcelona severely.

Ousmane Dembele left to warm the bench

Why was Dembele left out of the starting lineup? Dembele’s absence at the start of the match seemed strange for many, and everyone was right to think so. Signed at the cost of 136million pounds to replace Neymar in the big games, Ousmane Dembele was a player with Champions League experience.
He would have provided the pace, width and penetration to unlock Roma’s defence and ensure that they are on their back foot. Instead, he was brought on with five minutes remaining and nearly came close when a defensive mix-up presented Dembélé with an opportunity to rescue La Liga’s champions-elect where his chip drifted over Alisson Becker’s unguarded goal. However, time was too short for him, and the ship for Barcelona had already sailed.

Lack of Rotation

One overlooked, but a hugely impactful mistake was one that was accumulated throughout the season. Dario AS had published the minutes played on the pitch by Barcelona players so far this season, and eight players had chalked up more for club and country than anyone from Real Madrid.

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro had played the most for his team at 3,533 minutes. The eight players from Barcelona all played more minutes with Luiz Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and Lionel Messi playing over 4,000 minutes.

“Rotations are not permitted at this stage of the season”, words that have come to haunt Valverde. The lack of rotation with fringe players has tired the core team, and this Champions League exit is the price to be paid for that. However, less blame should be shouldered by Valverde as his decision for lesser rotation can be explained by the next reason.

Lacklustre Transfers

Why was there no rotation? Dembele aside, Barcelona have spent over 87million pounds on Andre Gomes, Paco Alcacer, Aleix Vidal and Lucas Digne. These players have not contributed enough over the course of the season and have failed to impress much.

What Does This All Mean?

Despite this significant setback, there are still two trophies to be won. Barcelona could win La Liga with a draw in the upcoming El Clasico and by then would have also won the Copa Del Rey. Winning the domestic double and El Clasico will surely wash away the bad memories of the Tuesday night, in addition to the potential arrival of Antoine Griezmann.

All is not lost for Ernesto Valverde as well. One must not forget that he has led Barcelona to an emphatic rise to the top of the table and with the title within grasp, will he probably lead Barcelona to win the double. Therefore, we should not judge him too harshly but he needs to grow into his managerial position fast, or questions will be asked about his suitability for the job next season.

What do you think about Ernesto Valverde? Is he the right man for the job? Leave a comment down below.

For the very best in everything football, follow @soccernews

---

Image & Text Credits:

Pinterest
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/10/roma-barcelona-champions-league-quarter-final-match-report
http://www.squawka.com/news/five-things-as-roma-shock-barcelona-3-0/1028032#DVZvMQJ5bBfuL56Z.97