Dundee United pile further misery on Rangers with draw
Rangers 1 – 1 Dundee United Rangers title hopes now hang in the balance as Dundee United pushed the hosts to a draw, the Glasgow side now sit eleven points behind leaders Celtic. United made the home side look amateurish in their defending as Sam Dalby waltzed into the box unmarked to give his side the lead. Nedim Bajrami had tested Jack Walton with a curling shot as the keeper was forced into action on multiple occasions in the first half. Robin Propper thought he had equalised only for an earlier Connor Barron hand ball to see it chalked off. Philipe Clement turned to once forgotten men Ianis Hagi and Danilo to make an impact and was soon rewarded. Despite missing a clear cut chance the Brazilian provided an assist for Vaclav Cerny, the midfielder arguably Rangers’ brightest spark this season. Rangers were not able to get anymore out of the game and they now find themselves in a battle for third with their opponents tonight. A far cry from their title ambitions at the beginning of the season.
Gloomy night in Dundee ends in defeat for hapless Hibs
Dundee 4 – 1 Hibernian Dundee took full advantage of a Hibs red to card to fire home four unanswered goals, piling further misery onto a hapless David Gray. Jordan Obita’s low cross was met by Nicky Cadden as the hosts began the game by far the better side. Their momentum was stopped dead in its tracks when Obita’s reckless challenge on Mohamed Sylla was met with a straight red. Dundee soon made their extra man count McGhee breezed into the box to finish Robertson’s cross. Hibernian’s series of unfortunate events continued to unfold before the manager’s eyes as Nectarios Triantis put the ball into his own net following a relatively tame Dundee corner. Not long after, a poor touch from Josef Bursik under little pressure allowed Seb Palmer-Holden to stretch the lead. The hosts piled further misery onto the Edinburgh side when Curtis Main grabbed a fourth in added time. Hibernian remain rooted at the foot of the table after yet another defeat.
Killie fail to crack Saints
A glancing Makenzie Kirk header gave the Saints a much needed victory at McDiarmid Park. The result means Kilmarnock must now overcome a slump of their own if they are to fight their way back into the top six. Killie began the fixture looking like to home side but the Saints grew into the game quickly. Benjamin Kimpioka’s curling shot parried by Robby McCrorie was the closest either side would come to a goal in the first half. Joe Wright fired one for the visiting side from distance but it sailed over the bar. Danny Armstrong similarly unable to hit the target with a free kick of his own, the ball passing comfortably past Josh Rae’s left-hand side. David Watson’s thigh injury meant he was replaced by Fraser Murray at the break as manager Derek McInnes was hampered in his attempts to find an equaliser. The second half seemed to pick up where the first left off with few chances created. That was until Andre Raymond’s whipped cross was met by a fantastic header from Makenzie Kirk to open the scoring. St. Johnstone had lost their previous three games but you wouldn’t have guessed it judging by their performance, looking much improved with the ball at their feet as the game progressed. In something of a rarity, they also looked solid at the back. The fourteen corners they defended without conceding a marked improvement on weeks gone by. Meanwhile Killie’s struggles to find the target continued, Liam Donnelly firing yet another shot over the bar for the away side. His evening would soon go from bad to worse as a second yellow saw the midfielder leave his side a man short for the second time this season. Unable to crack the defence open, they make the trip home empty handed once again. Resolute Saints hold out The honeymoon had clearly ended for manager Simo Valakari but tonight’s result helped prevent disillusionment from rearing its head in Perth. Three defeats in a row did not spell the end of the world but the Saints had some questions to answer about their defensive solidity. With twenty-seven shipped in thirteen, they entered this fixture as the league’s leakiest backline. Fair to say an impressive display for only their second clean sheet of the season will have put some of those questions on the back-burner. A first start for Bozo Mikulic, Valakari’s first signing, saw him paired with Jack Sanders at the back. The duo keeping out Marley Watkins and Darius Vassell, no mean feat given the damage they’ve done to other teams this season. Difficult games against Rangers and Aberdeen await in the coming weeks but the display tonight will give the side now just three points off to top six a much needed boost. Killie yet to kick on A fifteen minute delay to kick-off was perhaps a bit of foreshadowing for the side still waiting to get their own season going. Finishing fourth represented a big achievement for the Ayrshire side last season but McInnes’ ambitions will not let him be satisfied with it being a once in a few years occasion. The European run had stunted their start to the campaign but a few months on and with the international breaks in between, tired legs have ceased to be an excuse. Now with three defeats on the trot, the manager will need to re-energise his side if they are to fight their way back into the top half, now sitting six points behind St. Mirren. As the game wore on it became difficult enough for them to score with eleven men, but Liam Donnelly’s second yellow made the task all the more difficult. It is the fifth time they have seen a man sent off this season. Speaking to SPFL News Now, McInnes’ acknowledged his frustrations with the performance of the officials but was quick to point that they had ‘not lost the game because the referee, I need to stress that’.
Preview – St. Johnstone vs Kilmarnock
Craig Levein picked up his only league win of the season the last time these sides met. Just over three months on from the 3-0 victory, Derek McInnes will hope to come away with the spoils and create some distance from the Perth club. We take a look at the biggest talking points from the sides separated by only two points. Killie waiting to kick into gear Six games without a win would have put most managers amongst the bookies’ favourites for the sack, but not Derek McInnes. It seems the man can do no wrong after guiding Kilmarnock into the European places last season, making Rugby Park into one of the league’s most difficult grounds to visit in the process. The subsequent play-off games as the side were knocked out the Europa and Conference Leagues proved to be too tiring for a squad that seemed to lack the depth to handle the congested fixture list. Results improved as the side recovered from tired legs, winning half their games since their exit, with Rangers another casualty of Killie’s giant-killing prowess. Unfortunately, their impressive fourth place finish last season means McInnes has become a victim of his own success. The bar has now been set and fans will expect a similar result come the end the season. In order to get anywhere near the upper echelons of the table again, they must find some consistency in their results. Defeats to Ross County and Dundee are not as easily forgiven as they once were and another to the Saints would be a further setback in Killie’s attempts to cement their place amongst the top sides. The manager’s job is by no means on the line, but will nonetheless be desperate to avoid being on the receiving end of another bloody nose. Saints must halt slow decline Simo Valakari will no doubt realise that attacking football is little comfort to fans if they find themselves looking at the drop. What started as the most promising kind of new manager bounce, with six points from nine (Rangers grabbing the difference), has turned into something of a mini-slump for the Saints. Three defeats on the trot have exposed the fault lines in the squad for all to see. A destructive attacking trio on their day, Benjamin Kimpioka, Nicky Clark and Adama Sidibeh have given new life to a squad that looked out of ideas only a couple of months ago. For all their promise going forward, St. Johnstone have failed to solve the conundrum that has plagued fellow strugglers Hibernian, how to prevent sides from cutting through them. With twenty-seven shipped this season, they are the league’s worst defensive unit. The poor form of Ross Sinclair and Josh Rae between the sticks has not helped matters either. If Valakari is impatiently counting down the days until he can make his first purchases to remedy the situation, he will need to keep one eye on the seven games before the window opens. Not making the most of the twenty-one points available could see them too far back for any signings to turn things around.
Warsaw magic as Scotland net late winner against Poland
Scotland gave themselves a fighting chance of remaining in the Nations League’s top tier as Andy Robertson’s header in added time condemned the Poles to relegation. It was a rope-a-dope contest from the off but the Scots landed to first blow as John McGinn’s finish, teed up by Ben Doak, gave his side the lead after only three minutes. There were enough permutations to keep even the sharpest producers in the commentators’ ears scrambling but Steve Clarke’s men needed take care of what was in front of them first. As the game wore on Poland showed no signs of letting do so as Jakub Kaminski and Adam Buksa continued to probe for an equaliser. Despite the continued pressure from the home side, it became clear that they were in desperate need of Robert Lewandowski, repeatedly spurning chances without testing the ageless Craig Gordon nearly as much as they should have. Scotland for their part, never settled for a one goal lead, knowing they would need at least another to give themselves the best possible chance of finishing second in the group. A result that would place them amongst the top seeds for the World Cup qualifiers. Not once, but twice did the Scots rattle the bar, Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay both coming tantalisingly close to edging their side towards the coveted spot. As the second-half bore on both sides began to tire, the end to end action and quick beginning to take its toll on the likes of Doak. With results going their way in Zagreb, Scotland needed to weather the storm but could little as Kamil Piatkowski landed a sucker punch near the hour mark, his thunderous shot from outside the box an impossible proposition for even the most talented keepers. Giving away a lead with the clock running down fast, Steve Clark had been here before. He watched from the sidelines as play maintained its frantic energy, very much at the expense of composure and accuracy. As the final bell approached, the Scots looked weary and out of ideas to prevent their descent into the second tier. That was until John Souttar launched a cross into the box met by a leaping Andy Robertson whose fourth ever goal for his country sent Poland onto the canvas and the Tartan Army into rapture. No top seed but Scots will take heart Whilst Croatia’s equaliser might have put paid to any chance of finishing second in the group and giving Clarke’s men an easier chance of qualification, there was plenty to shout about from the action in Warsaw. Craig Gordon’s inspired performances have made him a clear favourite for the jersey, even when Angus Gunn does make a return from injury. The only person challenging his place between the sticks will be Father Time as Gordon will be forty-three by the time 2026 rolls around. Meanwhile, fans will have been disappointed to see teen sensation Doak leave the field after just over an hour but the late goal shows the side have the tools to win games without relying on one player. Lightening the weight of expectations on his shoulders can only be beneficial to his career in the long run. Finally, Scotland have finally shown they can close out games. The horrors of Portugal, Poland and Croatia in the opening games of their Nations League campaign seemed to have condemned this generation to lack the mental fortitude to cut it at the level that befitted the players’ ability. The previous two victories have instead shown quite the opposite, their resilience giving them the opportunity to continue to test themselves against Europe’s best. They have momentum in the tank, they will now need every drop of it as play-offs potentially await.
Scots face battle to retain A-list status in Poland
Nations League – League A – Group 1 – Poland vs Scotland: 19:45 (Stadion Narodowy in Warsaw) With their 1-0 victory over Croatia on Friday night, Scotland’s winless hoodoo finally came to an end. It was a run that had seen the side fail to win their last eight games and was only their second victory in eighteen fixtures. That was all forgotten as they held out against a side, albeit reduced to ten men, featuring the likes of Luka Modric and Josko Gvardiol. Now, a second consecutive win could provide Scotland with the opportunity to right the wrongs of their previous major tournament outings and remain amongst the international a-listers. Doak in the spotlight John McGinn’s goal brought jubilation to the Hampden crowd but it was Ben Doak’s electric performance that has since dominated headlines. Much was made of the way the Middlesborough loanee turned an £80 million defender inside out, and quite rightly as Doak’s gradual introduction into the side has provided the spark Scotland have been missing in the past few years. Clarke however, was quick to remind people that there is room for improvement in his game and has even suggested that Poland might be a game too soon for such a young player. Despite attempts to keep the swirling expectations at bay, it seems unlikely that the manager would not turn to Doak for what could be an era defining ninety minutes in Warsaw. Significant ramifications What seemed an impossible dream only few nights ago now feels like a very distinct possibility as Scotland look to give themselves a platform to qualify for their first World Cup since 1998. Finishing second in Group 1 would give the side the coveted top seeding for the upcoming qualifiers. To do so, they will have to not only beat Poland tonight but hope Portugal can win whilst putting a dent in Croatia’s goal difference, which is two better than Scotland’s. Should results go their way, Steve Clarke’s men would also see themselves make their first ever Nations League quarter-finals. Anything but a win however, would see them relegated and heap the pressure back onto the man in dugout this evening. Poland not to be underestimated A quick scan of Poland’s recent performances will give the Tartan Army some much needed optimism. One win in their last eight including a 5-1 trouncing at the hands of Portugal have left the side looking bereft of confidence. Sitting three points and six goals behind Croatia, their hopes for the second spot are far more difficult, a problem exacerbated by the absence of talisman Robert Lewandowski. However, the Scots will not be quick to forget that their opponent’s sole victory since the Euros came courtesy of a 97th minute penalty at Hampden. Manager Michal Probierz and his side may be down, but they are certainly not out. Conway to be given second start? Fans of the national team are never short of an opinion when it comes to picking a line-up and a boisterous few were finally granted their wish when Tommy Conway was given his first start on Friday. Full of energy and always looking to press, Doak’s Middlesborough teammate made sure Croatia could never pass the ball around comfortably at the back. The striker was not given many opportunities to bring his goalscoring form to Hampden and was brought off for Lyndon Dykes in the second-half, but has given himself every opportunity to start again tonight. Lawrence Shankland’s rut makes him an unlikely candidate and Dykes has yet to score in League One. However, Clarke and supporters will be well aware of the physicality he offers and his hard work to bring other into the game. Scotland desperately need a win with as big a margin as possible, will he trust twenty-two year old Conway to deliver it?
Danilo: Rangers’ saviour or last chance saloon?
Like a solar eclipse, Danilo’s emergence into public consciousness seems to come around every six months. Unfortunately, just as predictable as the celestial alignment is his immediate return to the treatment room. It is fair to say that the Brazilian has had a torrid time since he arrived as part of Michael Beale’s short lived revolution in a deal said to have been worth up to £6 million. A broken only ten games in, followed by a repeated a long term knee injury means the striker has played only played twenty-five games since signing and been ruled for over double that. After a first start in August against St. Johnstone, his first since December last year, Danilo was beset by yet another setback. Now, once again playing his way back into fitness and with a fixture list that sees Rangers play eight games in December alone, Philippe Clement may have no choice but to give the player another opportunity. Under Beale, Danilo would have found himself paired with Cyriel Dessers or Kemar Roofe but it is clear that Clement will be making no such tactical concessions. Instead, he will be competing with Dessers and summer signing Hamza Igamane for the single berth up front. Luckily for the Ajax academy graduate, this might not be as difficult a proposition as first thought. A hamstrung strike-force The striker’s chance to establish himself in the coming weeks has been made significantly easier by the uninspired performances of his competitors. Dessers has hardly been barren in front of goal, with an average of one every two games but his profligacy and Rangers’ poor form have meant he has also yet to feel the love from Ibrox supporters. Notwithstanding the 6-0 demolition of Ross County, the side have only managed score ten goals in their other ten games. With a seven game goalless run the in the Premiership which only ended in their last outing against Hearts, Dessers has shouldered much of the blame. Igamane, the man whose job it is to provide some competition for Dessers has been unable to convince Clement that he deserves more than a place on the bench, if that. The twenty two year old has managed just one goal all season, grabbing the fourth against FSCB in a comfortable European outing. Restricted to only 252 minutes to make an impression this season, it is difficult to give a thorough assessment of the Moroccan’s talent just yet but his inability to make an impact in his cameo appearances has left the door wide open for Danilo to state his own case. Rangers’ themselves might have very little option but give him the chance. No money, no choice Rangers’ reported loss of loss of £17.2 million in their annual financial report is very much a situation of their own making. The impressive profit made from the sales of Calvin Bassey, Joe Aribo and Nathan Patterson seem an age away as the club continue to let players run down their contracts. In the past two summers, Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, John Lundstram, Kemar Roofe and Borna Barisic have all left for free whilst Todd Cantwell and Scott Wright brought in less than £1 million combined despite having originally cost over £1.5m. Now sitting in third and with the title having almost run away from them, the board have stood behind Clement. In truth, their poor business model means they cannot afford to sack him and bring in a suitable replacement and as yet another stroke of good fortune for Danilo, the same goes for signing a new striker. Having reportedly spent almost £15 million much for their current set of options up front, the club would be lucky to recoup even a third of that. A sting for fans who have seen Celtic sell Matt O’Riley for almost twenty times what they originally paid, with Nicolas Kuhn likely to depart for a profit that would further widen the financial chasm between the two Glasgow sides. If they stand any chance of selling the Brazilian for what they paid, Danilo will need to be given a platform to attract potential suitors. Can Danilo deliver? Should the former Brazilian youth international be pushed out, there cannot be any complaints about a lack of opportunities to prove himself. For all of Rangers’ attempts to give the striker a run, seven consecutive games is the most he has managed before succumbing to injury. However, no chances have been taken as Danilo’s third coming has very much been a slow burner. A goalscoring return for Rangers’ B team in the Challenge Cup was followed by cameo appearances against Motherwell and Hearts for a combined half hour and those will surely increase as the fixtures come thick and fast throughout the winter. With the condensed calendar, the waning performances of his competitors and the lack of purchasing power of his own club, the stars have aligned for what could be his final chance at the club. Danilo has had a golden chance laid at his feet, it is now up to him to take it.
Saints must strike balance to arrest slump
St. Johnstone have made clear progress under Simo Valakari but their attacking efforts have been repeatedly undermined by a wayward defence. A glaring issue that must be addressed if they are to prevent a slow decline into relegation contention. Arriving on the 1st of October, Valakari’s immediate impact saw his side take six points from a possible nine. A marked increase from the club that had only managed four from twenty-one prior to his appointment. A defeat away to Rangers was arguably expected and it was followed by convincing wins over Ross County and Dundee. The hiring seemed to have given his players a new and finally positive outlook on football, with more possession than their opponents in every game bar the trip to Ibrox. A statistic that would have been unthinkable during Craig Levein’s tenure, who saw every ninety minutes as something to survive. However, the optimism since the Finn’s arrival has dampened slightly as the following three games produced no points. Flaws in the team’s make-up, namely at the back, have become all too obvious to fans. With difficult games against Kilmarnock (H), Rangers (H) and Aberdeen (A), those supporters will be wondering how to remedy such a strong imbalance in an otherwise promising squad. Attack dazzles as defence struggles Perhaps not even the most experienced mystiques could have predicted that the same team that mustered an abysmal 29 goals in 38 league games last season would find themselves with two goal scorers joint-top the charts. Yet in Nicky Clark and Benjamin Kimpioka, supported by Adama Sidibeh, Valakari has at his disposal an attacking trio with the fluency to turn Premiership defences inside out. The Saints are not wasteful with their chances either. Clark and Kimpioka’s goal conversion rates are 31% and 24% respectively, more than double those of Niklas Kuhn (14%) and Kyogo Furuhashi (10%). Whilst two of their last three goals have come from penalties, the opportunities from the spot are down in large parts to their application of pressure in the final third and Clark has shown an ice cold temperament from the spot Which is more than than can be said about the defensive half of the Saints’ set up. Fans of the Perth club can only dream of the challenge for the top half their side could launch if their defence had anywhere near the same promise their attacking ensemble has shown. Their twenty-seven goals conceded this season, including six at home to Celtic in September, make the Saints this season’s poorest defensive side. Statistics alone cannot tell the whole story however. The ease with which attacking players can ghost in to finish off crosses as Motherwell’s Tawanda Maswanhise did at the weekend points to a lack of communication and spatial awareness in the St. Johnstone ranks. Worse yet was Beni Baningime making his way towards goal from just inside the opposition half before Kenneth Vargas’ finish, bearing a strong resemblance to playing a much younger sibling on FIFA. So what happened to the side that had the (not fantastic by any stretch) seventh best defensive record in the league last season? Struggles for Mitov’s heirs Craig Levein must have thanked his lucky stars to have had Dimitar Mitov at his disposable when he arrived in Perth. Having been picked up from Cambridge United in the summer, the Bulgarian was without a doubt the leading contributor in keeping his side out of the bottom two, making more saves than any other keeper and was named both Player and Players’ Player of the Year for his efforts. Unfortunately for all who voted for him, Mitov’s release clause was met by then fellow strugglers Aberdeen and he left without giving a new contract a moment’s thought. Just a few months on the keeper is part of a remarkable Dons squad, as his replacements between the sticks continue to flounder. Josh Rae was signed in June but was soon dropped by Levein after a shaky outing at Dundee United. Academy graduate Ross Sinclair was called into action it but has similarly failed to convince. Brought off at half time against Hearts because of a muscle injury, the former Scotland under 21s keeper does not seem to have done enough to have earned himself a starting place when he returns to the squad. If neither show signs of improvement in the coming months, there is a good chance Valakari will look to dip into the transfer market as he aims to turn marginal errors into points on the board. Close calls haunt Saints Whether it be bad luck or poor organisation, St. Johnstone have found themselves ruing what could have been had it not been for VAR. Kimpioka was twice denied in their 3-1 defeat to St Mirren, with both himself and Kyle Cameron deemed offside for the respective efforts. During last week’s defeat to Motherwell, Jack Sanders was also condemned by the monitor, his potential equaliser in the 91st minute ruled to have been scored using his arm. On the plus side, St. Johnstone are showing that they can create chances and are only a few marginal calls from getting something from games. Yet that might be of little comfort as the side prepare to welcome Kilmarnock and Rangers before travelling to Aberdeen for arguably the most difficult test of the three. What began as an auspicious start to Simo Valakari’s tenure at the club could soon turn sour if his side cannot find a balance between their attacking and defensive efforts.
Hearts battle to victory away to St Johnstone
Hearts battled to a 2-1 victory against St Johnstone on a cold afternoon at McDiarmid Park. The game saw two sides play entertaining, attacking football, which ebbed and flowed in the battle for possession and attacking momentum. St Johnstone knew victory would have seen them rise to 6th in the table from 9th. Simo Valakari, the Saints new head coach, was in the home dugout for the first time. They made two changes to their squad that lost midweek to St Mirren. Barry Douglas—the one-cap Scotland international who signed two weeks ago as a free agent—and Graham Carey came into the squad for Matthew Smith and Lewis Nielsen. The visitors knew victory would leapfrog them into 11th above their Edinburgh rivals, Hibernian, who play on Sunday—their loss midweek to Kilmarnock ended Neil Critchley’s new manager bump. They made three changes, with Yan Dhanda, Malachi Boateng and Daniel Oyegoke coming in for Adam Forrester, Cameron Devlin and Kenneth Vargas. First Half The first real moment of the game was when Boateng fired a pass straight through the Saints defence to Shankland. He hit it first time just wide of the post. Hearts continued to be the more threatening side in the first half, with quality and zip to their forward play. Early on, St Johnstone continuously tried to play out from the back, but misplaced passes and a good Jambos press halted that. Saints’ defender Kyle Cameron tried to ask his players to calm down after some early pressure, but Hearts kept coming. Dhanda and Forrest provided attacking impetus on the wings, and Beni Baningime and Boateng controlled proceedings in the middle of the park. The game began to open up, and St Johnstone started getting a foothold. They were awarded a free kick in a dangerous area outside the box. There was a question mark on whether the new man, Douglas or captain Nicky Clark, would take it. But the captain stepped up, with Gordon making a relatively comfortable save. Hearts racked up the corners throughout the first half, and that’s how they got their first goal. A Blair Spittal delivery was put over the line by Clark, who scored an own goal in the 24th minute. The Saints responded with some attacks of their own. Following one corner was a goalmouth scramble, which Gordon clung onto and subsequently won a foul. In another moment in the latter stages of the first half, Sidibeh put a tame effort wide after doing well to beat his man just outside the box. Second Half At halftime, Simo subbed his goalkeeper, Joshua Rae, for Ross Sinclair after his number one picked up a knock in the first half. St Johnstone came flying out the blocks. Jason Holt led the charge with a curling effort that rattled off the crossbar after his attempted pass inside the box deflected back into his path. Veteran Craig Gordon kept his team in the lead with some good saves early in the second half, with the pick of the bunch, a low dive to his right. Critchley had seen enough and decided to make two early substitutions to try to change the course of the game. Devlin and Vargas came on for Dhanda and Boateng. There was uproar from the Saints fans after they thought Kye Rowles—already on a yellow card for a foul in the first half—brought their player down. The referee disagreed and just awarded the free kick. Following a corner, referee Chris Graham was called to the monitor after VAR Alan Muir said there was a possible penalty kick. After watching it, he pointed to the penalty spot after the officials believed Devlin wrestled Cameron to the ground inside the box. Devlin got a yellow card, and Clark took the game ball. He stepped up and fired it straight into the bottom corner past Gordon, cancelling out his own goal from the first half. Hearts responded positively to the setback, gaining momentum with the substitutions providing fresh energy. The substitute Vargas got onto the scoresheet with a lovely finish into the bottom corner after some sublime footwork from Baningime. St Johnstone tried to push for a late equaliser but struggled to create chances due to Hearts’ stern 4-4-2 shape. It was their story of the match; progressing the ball nicely from the defence to the midfield but falling short in attack. Hearts continued to exploit the space behind the St Johnstone defence, with an over-the-top ball played into Vargas who ran in on goal. Rae made a terrific one-on-one save to give his side hope going into the game’s final phase. The keeper came up to help St Johnstone from a corner in the dying moments, but ultimately, Hearts defended well enough to clinch all three points. The Hearts fans will return to Edinburgh to celebrate and look forward to their midweek European tie against German opponents, Heidenheim. Teams St Johnstone (4-1-3-2): Sinclair (GK) (Rae, 46th), Cameron, Sanders, Douglas, Wright, Sprangler, Carey, Holt, Clark (C) (Smith, 80th), Sidibeh (Kirk, 80th), Kimpioka Subs: Rae, Essel, Kucheriavyi, Smith, McPake, Kirk, Keltjens, Bright, Franczak Hearts (4-4-2): Gordon (GK), Kent, Oyegoke, Rowles, Penrice, Dhanda (Vargas, 57th), Baningime, Boateng (Devlin, 57th), Forrest, Spittal, Shankland (C) (Grant, 85th) Subs: Clark, Kingsley, Halkett, Grant, McKay, Devlin, Wilson, Forrester, Vargas Match Officials: Chris Graham (referee), Paul McAvinue and Craig Macrae (assistants), Duncan Williams (fourth official), Alan Muir (VAR) Attendance: 5,917.
Barcelona Away Day: Your Ultimate Guide for Football Fans with Food, Culture, and Travel Tips
If you’re heading to Barcelona to experience football at Camp Nou, you’re in for an incredible trip. But it’s not just about the match! Barcelona is packed with culinary treasures, rich culture, and a lively vibe that makes for an unforgettable trip. Here’s your guide on where to eat, what to do, the best times of year to visit, and budget tips for your stay. When to Visit Barcelona Spring (March-May): Ideal for mild weather, blooming flowers, and fewer tourists, with temperatures ranging from 15-20°C. Perfect for taking in a game and exploring the city on foot. Autumn (September-November): With cooler temperatures (around 20-25°C) and fewer crowds, autumn is another great season for football fans and offers more affordable accommodation than in peak summer. Winter (December-February): While cooler (10-15°C), winter is a fantastic time to visit if you prefer a more laid-back, crowd-free experience. Football matches are still lively, and the holiday decorations add charm, especially around the Gothic Quarter. Where to Eat Barcelona is a food lover’s paradise, with everything from traditional tapas to avant-garde cuisine. Here are some must-try spots for an authentic Catalan experience: La Boqueria Market – Located on La Rambla, this vibrant market is a feast for the senses. Try tapas from El Quim de la Boqueria or get a fresh juice. Ideal for a quick snack as you explore. Can Culleretes – One of Barcelona’s oldest restaurants, famous for Catalan dishes like suquet de peix (fish stew) and crema catalana. A fantastic spot for fans craving an authentic sit-down meal. Quimet & Quimet – A tiny, legendary bar known for its montaditos (small sandwiches) and extensive wine selection. Try the smoked salmon with yogurt and truffle honey for a unique flavour pairing. Tickets Bar – For a splurge-worthy meal, this creative tapas bar offers inventive dishes designed by one of the world’s top chefs, Albert Adrià. Make sure to book well in advance! Cost of Dining: A casual tapas meal can be around €20-€30 per person, while more upscale experiences can go up to €60 or more per person. Snacks and drinks at the stadium will set you back around €10-€15. Cultural Highlights for Football Fans When you’re not cheering on your team, Barcelona has no shortage of cultural sites to explore: Sagrada Família – Gaudí’s awe-inspiring basilica is an absolute must. It’s a bit pricey (around €26 for entry), but the intricate design and history are well worth it. Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) – Wander through medieval alleyways, visit the impressive Barcelona Cathedral, and take in the atmospheric vibes of this historic neighbourhood. Poble Espanyol – An open-air museum representing Spain’s architectural diversity, Poble Espanyol is a unique experience. It’s close to the Montjuïc area, so you can pair it with a visit to the Magic Fountain. Museu Picasso – If you’re a fan of art, the Picasso Museum offers insight into the artist’s early years. Tickets are around €12-€15 and free on Thursdays after 6 PM. Cost for Cultural Attractions: A day exploring these cultural hotspots can range between €40-€70, depending on entry fees and additional activities. Where to Drink and Catch Pre-Match Buzz Barcelona’s bar scene is second to none, with everything from boisterous pubs to chic cocktail spots: Bar Marsella – Known as Barcelona’s oldest bar, this Gothic Quarter institution serves up absinthe and old-world charm. Great for those looking for something different before or after the game. Fàbrica Moritz – A brewery that combines local craft beer with Catalan tapas, Fàbrica Moritz is a spacious spot with a lively, welcoming vibe. El Raval’s Craft Beer Spots – For craft beer lovers, El Raval neighbourhood has several great bars like Ale & Hop and Garage Beer Co., offering locally brewed options in a relaxed setting. Cost of Drinks: Expect to spend around €5-€7 per drink. If you’re planning a night out, €20-€30 should cover a few rounds. What to Expect on Match Day at Camp Nou Camp Nou is a cathedral of football, and match day here is an experience in itself. Here’s what you need to know: Before the Game: Arrive early to soak in the atmosphere. Fans gather around the stadium and fill the local bars. You can also visit the FC Barcelona Museum if you want a deeper dive into the club’s history (entry is around €25). Inside the Stadium: Prepare for the anthem “Cant del Barça” before kickoff—it’s an unforgettable moment as the entire stadium sings in unison. Spanish fans are passionate but respectful, so expect good-natured chants and cheers. Fan Etiquette: Catalan pride is significant here, so it’s appreciated if fans show respect for the local culture. Also, be cautious when wearing your team’s colours—it’s all part of the fun, but avoid heated discussions and show respect for the Barça tradition. Budget for an Away Day in Barcelona To help plan your budget, here’s an approximate cost breakdown for a day trip vs. a weekend: One-Day Budget (€100-€150) Meals – €30-€50 (a couple of tapas meals and a snack at Camp Nou) Metro Travel – €2.40 per journey, or a €10.50 travel card for 10 trips Stadium Ticket – €40-€90 depending on seat and opponent Extra Snacks/Drinks – €20-€30 for pre-game or post-game drinks Weekend Budget (€300-€400) Accommodation – €100-€150 per night for a mid-range hotel Meals – €60-€100 for tapas, local dining, and drinks Cultural Activities – €50 for one or two museum entries Stadium Ticket – €40-€90 for match entry Metro/Transport – €20 for a weekend travel card Dos and Don’ts in Barcelona DO: Try speaking a little Spanish or Catalan; locals appreciate the effort. Keep belongings secure, especially in crowded areas like La Rambla and near the stadium. Be respectful of the local traditions and avoid overly political conversations—football is serious here, but so is Catalan identity. DON’T: Get too close to street performers without tipping; it’s customary to offer a small coin if you stop to watch. Rely solely on taxis; Barcelona’s metro is fast and far cheaper. Forget
