Following the loss to Borussia Dortmund, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha wasted no time in confronting Hansi Flick after the final whistle, insisting, “This player must never be left on the bench again!”

Barcelona have secured a spot in the Champions League semi-finals after overcoming Borussia Dortmund in a tightly contested two-legged tie. Despite losing the second leg 3–1, their dominant 4–0 victory in the first leg at Montjuïc ensured their progression to the final four.

However, the celebration following qualification was mixed with serious discussions in the dressing room, as reported by the Spanish outlet El Nacional.

After the final whistle, attention quickly turned to the decision to leave Pedri on the bench at the start of the match. The midfielder came on during the second half and instantly influenced the game, helping Barcelona regain control and slow down Dortmund’s momentum.

While his efforts didn’t change the outcome of the second leg, his presence stabilized the team and improved their ability to hold possession—something that had been lacking earlier in the game.

According to the report, several senior players, including Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, directly approached head coach Hansi Flick after the game to voice a strong opinion: Pedri must not be benched again in critical matches. Both players noticed a clear improvement in team chemistry and attacking flow when Pedri was on the field.

Yamal, who struggled to find rhythm in the first half, felt the team lacked connection between the midfield and attack. Raphinha added that with Pedri involved, it became easier to control the game’s tempo and find attacking space, highlighting how essential the young midfielder is to Barcelona’s style of play.

Coach Hansi Flick, known for his detailed tactical planning and cautious approach to player fitness, had opted to rest Pedri due to concerns over his physical condition.

Nevertheless, the match revealed how much the team suffers without him orchestrating the midfield. In the first leg, Pedri had been instrumental, making his absence from the starting eleven in the return leg all the more surprising.

Insiders close to the club suggest that Flick has taken the players’ feedback seriously and is unlikely to repeat the same mistake. Unless injuries intervene, Pedri is now expected to be a regular starter in Barcelona’s remaining high-stakes fixtures, particularly the Champions League semi-finals, where his ability to dictate play will be vital to the team’s chances.