Barcelona failed to beat Shakhtar Donetsk in their Champions League Group H encounter, which saw their unbeaten run come to an end.
However, host Shakhtar Donetsk did not allow the Spanish giants to take any points away at the Volksparkstadion Stadium.
The visitors led by former player Xavi had most of the possessions and total shots in the match but failed to convert any.
Barca had 13 total shots in the match as against Shakhtar’s 9 shorts, however, the hosts had 4 shots on target while the visitors had only one.
Out of the 4 shots, Shakhtar Donetsk were able to convert one of them, which was a beautiful header by Danylo Sikan, which was enough to sink Barcelona.
Xavi-led Barcelona went into the game as favorites to win the game, but a first-half goal was enough to seal the fate of the Visitors.
Barça were bad once more, as they had been the previous Saturday against Real Sociedad, and there was no late goal to save them.
They ended the first half with no shots on target, no corners, and had fallen behind on minute 40 when Danylo Sikan headed in Giorgi Gocholeishvili’s cross.
Sikan’s header was excellent, but Xavi’s men defended horribly, with Ferran Torres failing to close down Gocholeishvili and Andreas Christensen failing to cover his marking and leaving him with a free header to past Ter Stegen.
Barcelona boss Xavi was furious at halftime, but it was Shakhtar Donetsk who had the first chance of the second half, with Gocholeishvili forcing Ter Stegen to save at his near post.
Barcelona keeper Ter Stegen was well received at home as the match was played at Hamburg due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The visitor’s restart was a poor one which forced Xavi to make four changes in 58 minutes into the Champions League match.
Lamine Yamal, Joao Felix, Alejandro Balde and Pedri replced Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Marcos Alonso and Oriol Romeu.
Joao Felix quickly entered the game and forced two quick corners but the first sailed harmlessly into Dmytro Riznky’s hands.
Lamine Yamal on the other hand, failed to successfully cross the ball leaving Barcelona pointman Robert Lewandowski frustrated in the 18-yard box.
Barcelona were once again behind with 2 minutes left in the match as Newerton scored for Shakhtar Donetsk but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Seven minutes was added in the match but the visitors failed to score with Joao Felix appealing for two penalties, but the referee waved it off.
It was a disappointing night for Xavi and his men, but that did not stop them from qualifying for the next round.
For Shakhtar, it was a memorable night and one that kept their hopes very much alive of staying in European competition.
Despite the loss, Barcelona are top with nine points from four games, while Shakhtar are third with six points after the famous win.
