Plzen's performance causes more issues for Xavi's Barcelona.
Whatever lineup Xavi chose to face Plzen with was always going to be contentious for one set of culers or another.
There was a genuine risk of further injuries to key players in what was a Champions League dead rubber, with Franck Kessie's hamstring issue appearing to be a case in point.
Too weak, and it will almost certainly raise questions about how much depth the first team truly possesses.
Xavi, as it turned out, remained cautious.
On the surface, the team appeared to have the right mix of experience and youth to compete against what was expected to be a brave and plucky but ultimately easily beatable home side.
Perhaps that was part of the problem, because despite dominating possession for the majority of the 90 minutes, the Catalans failed to score.
Though seeing the likes of Pablo Torre and Inaki Pea given meaningful game time was a joy, it was tempered by the knowledge that a number of the club's'second string' are either not up to the task at hand or believe coasting through games is acceptable.
Ansu Fati, who is normally a sharpshooter, has yet to rediscover his killer instinct, which would undoubtedly restore his confidence in front of goal.
Ferran Torres, strike partner, largely disappointed on a stage designed for him to showcase his abilities.
Yes, he made the game safe on two occasions, but he couldn't have missed both times. Any other opportunities that came his way that could be considered bread and butter Most strikers were passed over.
That's not good enough in a game where Plzen was a sitting duck.
The Blaugranes, on the other hand, struggled in defense. Only Jordi Alba can truly walk away with his head held high.
Alba was at least tidy in possession for the most part, provided a willing and able outlet in attack, and ensured that if Plzen were to score, it wouldn't be down his side of the pitch, despite having barely played this season as Barça look to leverage him out of the Camp Nou.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Hector Bellerin, who should never be allowed to play for Barcelona again.
Simply put, despite Xavi's obvious need for a high-level and natural right-back, the Catalans would be better served by keeping Alba in place and using Alejandro Balde as a makeshift right-sided player.
If a team like Plzen, with all due respect, can consistently harm Barça with raids down the right, then Xavi knows exactly where the problem this season is.
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