At the start of Round 17 in La Liga last season, Robert Lewandowski had 13 goals in the Spanish championship already, with six of those coming away from Camp Nou. At the start of the same Round but in 2023, the Pole had only eight goals, and only two came away from their home stadium, which is Montjuic this year, due to the reconstruction of Camp Nou. And even those two away goals are not telling the full story – one of them was from a penalty way back in September against Osasuna. It’s clear that Barcelona’s defence is not what it was last season (20 allowed goals all year, and now it’s already 18), but the offence is struggling as well, especially Lewandowski.Lewandowski’s last goal away from the Montjuic was in El Sadar against Osasuna on the 3rd of September. ❌⚽ pic.twitter.com/ZPppRtNSsN— Barça Xtra (@XtraBarcaa) December 16, 2023 Former Bayern striker even failed to score against lowly Royal Antwerp in Belgium, as he played 72 minutes, failing to find the net in a shocking 3-2 defeat, which not only embarrassed Barcelona but also deprived them of collecting 2.8 million euros, which is a UEFA bonus for every win in their strongest competition. So now, they are travelling to Valencia in a bad mood, with two consecutive losses (4-2 against Girona, 3-2 against Antwerp) and Xavi’s uncertain status at the bench. From an untouchable coach, the former Barca midfielder is a very vulnerable man, and the Spanish media is already writing that a defeat in Valencia would be enough for President Joan Laporta to sack his coach.Xavi not understanding the rumours: How did I end up from Barca’s Fergie to being sacked?Spanish reporters who followed the team to Belgium saw the president visiting the locker room after the 3-2 defeat and left with a very serious face. He did not want to reply to the question if he had 100% confidence in Xavi.“Even if we lose or draw in Valencia we will continue to believe in our project. This club needs stability in the post-Messi era and with a very complicated financial situation. I received messages as if I were at a funeral, as if my father or mother had passed away. You are unrealistic, because what will we do if the season ends successfully again? We will and then be in a bad mood and in depression? There is still enough time” said Xavi at the press conference ahead of the Valencia game.LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 17Friday Osasuna – Rayo Vallecano 1-0 (0-0)/Garcia 90+5/Saturday 16.00: (1.70) Celta (3.80) Granada (5.60)18.15: (2.55) Ath.Bilbao (3.45) Atl.Madrid (2.90)20.30: (1.95) Sevilla (3.50) Getafe (4.40)Sunday 16.00: (2.70) Almeria (3.05) Mallorca (2.80)18.15: (1.75) Sociedad (3.70) Betis (5.50)20.30: (1.93) Las Palmas (3.35) Cadiz (4.30)23.00: (1.30) Real Madrid (5.90) Villareal (9.00)Monday 23.00: (1.55) Girona (4.10) Alaves (6.25)***odds are subject to change
