Brilliant substitute in FC Barcelona’s draw against Naples yesterday (1-1), the French played his first minutes of play at Nou Camp since the end of the transfer window. Whistled at first by the public, he managed to turn the opinion in his favor thanks to a magnificent performance, which could have given victory to his team at the end of the match.
FC Barcelona experienced another delicate evening yesterday during the round of 16 first leg of the Europa League. First shaken by Naples, who even led with a goal from Zielinski, the Blaugranas managed to equalize thanks to a generous penalty, converted by Ferran Torres. But it is the entry of Ousmane Dembélé which is to be highlighted. Initially whistled by the public, the Frenchman was able to turn public opinion in his favor.
It must be said that his entry into play completely changed the face of a meeting which was beginning to fall asleep. Aligned on the right side of the attack in place of any Adama Traoré, the twirling winger hurt the Italian defense very badly with his speed, his dribbling and his hooks. All the hot balls came from his feet, especially in the final minutes, but neither Torres (87th, 90th + 2) and nor De Jong (90th) were able to take advantage of them.
Whistled then clapped
It’s very simple in the face of such a performance, the whistles ended up becoming… applause. “The public did not listen to me, it is sovereign. But Ousmane succeeded in dribbling, he was behind an action that almost ended in goal… He has character. And the whistles turned into applause. I think that’s the thing to remember.”underlined Xavi after this 1-1 draw.
The Barcelona public does not yet forgive the French for having refused to extend, or to leave this winter. Since the transfer window episode, and a dismissal from management, before being recalled by his coach, Dembélé was playing his first minutes at Nou Camp. If he wants to finish his adventure in Catalonia with honors, he will have to shine again, as was the case last night. Only the terrain can improve a complex situation.
