Dynamo Kyiv 0-1 Barcelona: Match Review

Barcelona took on Dynamo Kyiv in the first reverse Champions League fixture of the season. The Catalans were languishing at third in the group and required a win to get back into the qualification race

Sergi Barjuan drew his first game in charge but was under pressure to deliver a win on the night. The Spaniard opted to start both Ansu Fati and Frenkie de Jong who recently returned from injuries and his gamble paid off.

First Half

The opening period started with Barcelona on the front foot, both dominating possession and threatening to score the opener. Memphis Depay found the opportunity to get his first shot away in just the fourth minute though the effort was tame.

The visitors once again threatened in the ninth minute when a dangerous free-kick created chaos in Dynamo Kyiv’s box. The resultant confusion gave Barcelona a chance to capitalise, but the Catalans could not take it.

The game then slowed down for the next period. Both sides shared possession of the ball, but neither could create solid openings. Eric Garcia was booked in the 20th minute for a careless foul.

Moments later, Ansu Fati teamed up with Sergio Busquets to create a good chance that the captain could not take. Kyiv then threatened on the counter, but Shaparenko mishit his shot terribly.

The next five minutes were dominated by the hosts as they created chance after chance. A volley from Carlos de Pena and a tame shot from Harmash threatened to put Barcelona behind, but the Catalan defense stood firm.

The visitors’ biggest chance came in the 42nd minute. Oscar Mingueza’s ball found Nico Gonzalez whose header was blocked by Depay. Fati tried to score on the rebound but his shirt was saved.

Sergi Barjuan’s side entered the dressing room with the deadlock still not broken and a monumental second half ahead of them.

Second Half

The second half saw early yellow cards for Clement Lenglet and Gavi. The opening minutes of the restart had the game in the balance.

The hosts were close to scoring at the hour mark when Karavaev’s shot went marginally wide of the target.

A huge moment in the game came in the 62nd minute. Ansu Fati went down in the box and a penalty was signalled did the visitors. Upon VAR consultation, it appeared that the youngster tripped on himself. That said, the decision was overturned.

Ousmane Dembele made his awaited return to club football as he replaced Gavi in the 65th minute.

Barcelona constantly threatened to score, and finally did so in the 70th minute. Oscar Mingueza’s cross found Ansu Fati in an awkward position, but the teenager fired it in emphatically.

Thereafter, Barcelona did not threaten to score a second more than Kyiv looked like equalising. The hosts had their chances but Ter Stegen remained firm.

The closing minutes of the game also saw Ronald Araujo make his return from injury as he replaced Clement Lenglet.

The final whistle went soon later as Barcelona rushed back into the qualification race with back-to-back wins against Kyiv. They will return to action against Benfica later in the month.