Marc Andre Ter Stegen is one of Barcelona’s old guards. The German goalkeeper has been in Barcelona’s books since 2014, when he joined from Borussia Monchengladbach. His consistency at the highest level has been his greatest strength, as he’s witnessed the club at its highest level and now, perhaps at its lowest.
The former Gladbach goalkeeper had been out of action for Barcelona for over three months, with the goalkeeper nursing a back injury. However, on the back of picking up La Liga’s award for the best goalkeeper for last season a few weeks ago, Marc Andre Ter Stegen made his long-awaited return for the club in the league yesterday.
Marc Andre Ter Stegen rejoins Barcelona starting lineup
Marc Andre Ter Stegen made his return to Barcelona’s starting lineup yesterday in the 3-3 draw against Granada. The German goalkeeper started in goal for the Spanish giants and completed 90 minutes of the match, marking his perfect return to the team.
Ter Stegen had predicted his own return a few weeks ago when he claimed the award for the goalkeeper with the most clean sheets for the previous La Liga season. “In two weeks, I could be ready; I’m feeling good,” the Barcelona goalkeeper said at the time.
Marc Andre Ter Stegen’s prediction turned out to be correct, as he made his long-awaited return to reclaim his spot in the club’s starting lineup. Sadly, he couldn’t mark his return with a win; Granada held the Blaugrana club to a draw. Lamine Yamal had put them ahead in the 14th minute, but Granada leveled the scoreline in the 43rd minute through Ricard Sanchez.
Manchester United loanee Facundo Pellistri, whose agent recently fired back at Erik Ten Hag for his treatment of the youngster, put Granada ahead in the 60th minute before Robert Lewandowski equalized for Barcelona in the 63rd minute. Ignasi Miquel’s goal in the 66th minute and Lamine Yamal’s second ensured a thrilling end to the game.
Xavi worries about Barcelona winning the league
Even though Xavi has recently said in public that Barcelona might still win the league, he now acknowledges that things may have gotten out of hand. This is particularly true given that Barcelona is already ten points behind Real Madrid, who severely damaged Girona’s championship chances with a 4-1 thrashing.
“It’s very difficult to win the league, especially after today,” the departing Barcelona manager admitted.
“The difference is big, but it’s not impossible. We can’t fail. Today, we gave away goals and dangerous situations in many moments,” the ex-Barcelona midfielder said.
After a run of poor results, Xavi announced his imminent departure from Barcelona at the end of the season. The club are now on the market for a new manager, with several names being mooted for the hot seat in Catalonia.
