Barcelona and Atletico Madrid delivered one of the most thrilling encounters of the season and, arguably, in recent years. Matches as closely contested as this one, with frequent lead changes and a final score of 4-4, are rare, making it a true spectacle of attacking football.
However, despite the entertainment value, the coaches of both teams were left frustrated, particularly with their defensive setups, as their sides struggled to contain the opposition’s relentless attacks.
According to the Spanish newspaper El Nacional, Barcelona’s coach, Hansi Flick, was pleased with his team’s resilience and fighting spirit, especially in coming back from a two-goal deficit.
However, he was equally frustrated by their inability to maintain control, allowing Diego Simeone’s Atletico to equalize again—just as they had done in their previous La Liga clash. This recurring issue, particularly conceding goals in the final moments, deeply concerned Flick. Alejandro Balde was notably at the center of these defensive lapses.
The Spanish international struggled defensively, leaving gaps in his positioning that Atletico exploited. While his athleticism and attacking runs make him a valuable asset in Barcelona’s offensive play, his defensive duties remain an area requiring significant improvement.
His side of the pitch became a prime target for Atletico’s attacking threats, highlighting a vulnerability that needs addressing.
Jules Koundé also endured a difficult night, failing to meet his usual high standards. The Frenchman has been one of Barcelona’s standout players this season, earning recognition as one of the top defenders in his position.
However, against Atletico, he was far from his best. A costly mistake—an unnecessary loss of possession—allowed Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez to capitalize, putting Barcelona under severe pressure.
A key issue for Flick was the lack of suitable alternatives on the bench for Balde and Koundé. With no reliable replacements available, both players had to remain on the pitch for the full 90 minutes, despite their struggles. Had better options been at Flick’s disposal, he might have opted for substitutions earlier to reinforce the defense.
Pedri, one of Barcelona’s standout performers in the match, did not shy away from addressing the defensive shortcomings. When asked about the team’s struggles at the back, he urged Balde and Koundé to be more composed and avoid unnecessary risks in key moments.
The midfielder also emphasized that Barcelona might need to adopt a deeper defensive approach to prevent conceding crucial late goals.
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