October 25, (THEWILL) – An injury-hit Barcelona side made hard work of their 2-1 UEFA Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Wednesday night.
The Catalan giants were without the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Pedri and Raphinha but goals from Ferran Torres and Fermin Lopez before half-time ultimately proved enough. However, the visitors caused problems after the break and ensured Barcelona were made to sweat.
Torres emphatically volleyed the hosts in front just before the half-hour mark after Lopez had struck the woodwork. The young Lopez then added a second with a stunning long-range effort that crashed in off the post in the 36th minute.
Despite seeming comfortable with a two-cushion at home, Barcelona allowed Shakhtar back into it when Georgiy Sudakov pulled one back two minutes after the hour-mark. The substitute kept his composure to finish as the visitors threatened a comeback.
Lopez almost restored Barcelona’s two-goal lead late on but saw shots strike the post and then ruled out for offside. It was a nervous end for Xavi’s men but they held on to make it three wins from three in Group H before El Clasico on Sunday.
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.
