November 06, (THEWILL) — Barcelona were forced to fight back three times before salvaging a 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League encounter at the Jan Breydel Stadium.
Teenage winger Lamine Yamal delivered an influential performance for Hansi Flick’s side, who avoided what would have been an embarrassing defeat despite carrying several injury absentees.
The Catalan club’s defensive frailties were exposed repeatedly by Brugge winger Carlos Forbs, who scored twice and provided an assist for Nicolo Tresoldi.
Ferran Torres, Yamal, and a Christos Tzolis own goal ensured the Spanish side left Belgium with a point after surrendering the lead on three separate occasions. Barcelona has struggled for consistency in recent weeks following their Clásico loss to Real Madrid in domestic competition.
Forbs proved the standout performer for the Belgian hosts, exploiting the high defensive line with pace and clinical finishing.
The Portuguese attacker opened the scoring for Brugge with a one-two involving Tzolis before adding his second with a delicate chip over Wojciech Szczesny.
Fermin Lopez hit the woodwork whilst Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia both struck the frame of the goal for the visitors, who trailed 2-1 at the interval after Torres had briefly restored parity.
Yamal produced Barcelona’s second equaliser with a clever flick past goalkeeper Nordin Jackers following an exquisite backheel from Lopez.
The 17-year-old was involved in the third leveller too, his curling effort deflecting off Tzolis and beyond Jackers.
A penalty awarded to Brugge for a challenge involving Alejandro Balde was overturned after VAR intervention showed Forbs had initiated contact.
Brugge believed they had snatched victory in stoppage time when Romeo Vermant dispossessed Szczesny in the area and rolled the ball into an unguarded net.
However, VAR ruled the Belgian forward had fouled the Polish goalkeeper, sparing Barcelona further embarrassment and allowing them to leave with a draw from an open and entertaining fixture.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
