First-half goals from Ferran Torres and Fermin Lopez helped Barcelona secure a 2-1 home win against Shakhtar Donetsk in a Champions League Group H match on Wednesday night.
The home team dominated from the start despite losing several key players due to injury and suspension.
Barcelona opened the scoring in the 28th minute through Ferran Torres’ volley kick taking advantage of the rebound after Lopez’s kick from close range hit the post.
The goal was disallowed because there were signs of offside, but a VAR check confirmed that Lopez was in an onside position.
Barcelona could not strengthen Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Sergi Roberto, Frenkie de Jong, Jules Koundé and Pedri who suffered injuries.
Meanwhile, Gavi was also ruled out due to a red card suspension in their win against FC Porto.
Barca coach Xavi Hernandez finally called up eight academy players including Lopez who became a regular in the first team.
He caused Shakhtar plenty of problems and extended Barca’s lead in the 36th minute, firing a powerful shot that bounced off the left post and then into the net.
Barca then squandered several chances to extend their lead, with Lopez’s effort hitting the post twice more and both goals being disallowed by VAR for offside.
Shakhtar midfielder Georgiy Sudakov produced a neat finish from a counter-attack in the 62nd minute to reduce the deficit, but Barcelona held on despite late pressure to secure their third win in three matches.
I’m happy for this win and helping to create goals,” said player of the match Lopez to Movistar Plus.
“Xavi told us that a win today will be the key to getting closer to securing a place in the knockout stages. We suffered a bit but we got the three points”.
Barca are at the top with nine points, three points ahead of Porto who won the match against Antwerp with a score of 4-1.
While Shahktar is in third place with three points.
In the next match, Barcelona will host rivals Real Madrid in the first El Clasico of the LaLiga season on Saturday local time.
