Barcelona FC struggled to edge out Shakhtar Donetsk with a 2-1 scoreline at Wednesday’s UEFA Championship League Matchday 3.
Phenomena first-half goals from Barcelona’s players, Ferran Torres and Fermin Lopez, saw the Catalan triumph against the Pitmen at Camp Nou.
With the result, Barcelona retained its perfect Champion League Group H sheet.
Shakhtar midfielder Georgiy Sudakov stroked in a tidy finish on the counter in the 62nd minute to reduce the deficit, but Barcelona held on despite late pressure to secure their third win in three games.
The locals dominated from the start despite missing several key players due to injury and suspensions, and they opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a Torres volley on the rebound after 20-year-old Lopez’s strike from close range crashed against the woodwork.
The goal was initially ruled out for a hint of an offside in the build-up, but a VAR check confirmed Lopez’s involvement had been legal.
Without the injured Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Sergi Roberto, Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounde and Pedri, and with midfielder Gavi suspended for a red card in Barcelona’s win against FC Porto, manager Xavi Hernandez called up eight academy players, including Lopez, who is becoming a regular in the first team.
He caused all kinds of trouble for Shakhtar and extended Barca’s lead in the 36th minute, unleashing a thunderous shot which ricocheted off the left post on its way in.
Barca then missed several chances to stretch out their lead, with Lopez hitting the post twice more and having two goals ruled out by VAR for offside.