New signings, returning players key to Barcelona’s resurgence

Barcelona, Feb 7 (EFE).- Barcelona’s fans finally have something to cheer following one of the team’s best performances of what has been a miserable season in the thrillingly enjoyable 4-2 win over champions Atletico Madrid on Sunday which saw the Catalans return to the top four and the Champions League qualification places.

Since Xavi Hernandez returned to the club as manager in November, the performances have been steadily improving, although the results have not followed as the Catalan club were knocked out of the Champions League, Spanish Cup and Super Cup.

Barcelona’s four winter transfer signings, including Ferran Torres, Adama Traoré and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and the return of key injured players such as Pedri has helped turn the tide.

Unlike the first half of the season, on Sunday Barcelona made the most of every shot they had on target against Atletico to score four goals for the first time since the first match of the season.

Making their Camp Nou debuts, Barcelona’s four additions had an immediate impact, with veteran right-back Dani Alves collecting a goal and an assist and Adama Traore and former Manchester City forward Ferran Torres bagging an assist each.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who took the field midway through the second half to replace Traore, was a headache for Atletico’s defenders.

They also gave the squad the depth it had been lacking amid several injuries that had forced them to turn to the youth team. EFE

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