FC Barcelona: Boss Xavi Hernandez “worried” about current scenario at club, after horrifying loss against Champions League debutants Royal Antwerp FC

FC Barcelona have once again hit the snag at European top flight after they suffered a shock loss at the hands of UEFA Champions League debutants Royal Antwerp FC, a side which has not won a single game since matchday one, but registered a historic victory last night at Belgium, when they defeated Champions League veteran FC Barcelona 3-2.

Barca loses again, this time to Royal Antwerp

La Liga defending champions FC Barcelona might be going through one of the roughest patches this year when they have endured two consecutive defeats within a span of three days. First, during their regular domestic season, they have lost 2-4 at home to surprise leaders of La Liga this season, Girona FC, and have slowly seen their position slide to fourth spot, behind Girona, Real Madrid an Atletico Madrid. Yesterday, they have faced another harsh reality when they lost against UEFA Champions League debutants Royal Antwerp FC, a side which have not won a single fixture in their debut season. Although Barca had qualified for Round of 16 after they defeated FC Porto in their last game, a victory against Antwerp would have been a morale booster for Xavi’s brigade who are enduring a slack season as of now. But, Barca went on to lose their final Group Stage game as they saw a 2-3 defeat at Antwerp, which meant although they had 12 points similar to FC Porto, the Spaniards would go through to the next stage owing to superior head-to-head record against the Portuguese, who defeated Shakhtar 5-3 in a thrilling encounter.

This defeat would increase the scrutiny and pile more pressure on Xavi, who has already been taken into consideration owing to his favorable relationship with Barca president Laporta, but it might go down to wire if Barca does not play well in their upcoming games- which belongs a list of hefty opponents, starting with Valencia at this weekend.

“I’m worried”

Xavi has shared his thoughts post-match, according to Marca, as he was heard saying, “The feeling is not good. We’ve had misfortune, from a 2-2 draw. We could have gotten more. We’re on a rough patch. I’m worried, it’s normal. “

“The team is not comfortable. We’re on a bad run, we’ve had two negative results. We have to be critical of ourselves. We have to improve. The opposing team generates chances, but it’s hard for us to do so. We have to improve and know that we are not on a good run.”

Coincidentally, Barca went down 0-1 against Antwerp with Vermeeren scoring the opener within seconds of kick-off. Xavi had started several youngsters in the game like Hector Fort and Lamine Yamal. In a situation where the score was tied at 2-2 with La Masia youngster Marc Guiu scoring the equalizer, it was Ilenikhena from Antwerp who dashed all hopes of Barca’s win as the Belgians won the first game of their debut campaign, ending on a high note.

Xavi spoke about former Girona player Oriol Romeu, who was at fault for Antwerp’s opening goals, as he said, “Romeu must be given confidence and be encouraged.”

Barca face Valencia at Mestalla in their next installment, as it is going to be an uphill task for the defending champions to regain their composure and temperament to see off the hosts at their own den, as Xavi’s men would look to get back to winning ways.