Barcelona’s Champions League journey this season has been a tale of fluctuating fortunes, a stark contrast to their domestic dominance in La Liga. While leading the Spanish title race, their European campaign has been marked by inconsistency, a worrying sign for a club with such lofty ambitions.
A recent 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, fueled by a brace from Jules Kounde, offered a momentary reprieve. However, the win couldn’t entirely mask the underlying vulnerabilities that have plagued Hansi Flick’s team throughout the competition, leaving them precariously positioned in the group standings.
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes a critical piece is missing from Barcelona’s puzzle: a commanding defensive presence. He argues that without strengthening the backline, a Champions League triumph remains a distant prospect, despite the undeniable attacking talent within the squad.
Keown pinpointed Barcelona’s unusually high defensive line as a significant risk, a tactic that, while visually exciting, leaves them exposed to the pace and directness of opposing attacks. He observed that Frankfurt repeatedly threatened on the counter, highlighting a recurring flaw in their approach.
The core issue, according to Keown, isn’t a lack of attacking flair – Barcelona’s front six are brimming with world-class players – but a fundamental imbalance. A team built on possession must also possess the solidity to withstand pressure, a quality currently lacking.
Robbie Savage echoed Keown’s concerns, emphasizing Barcelona’s susceptibility to teams with speed. He believes opponents capable of exploiting the space behind their high line will consistently cause problems, a weakness unlikely to be rectified by tactical adjustments alone.
Despite acknowledging Barcelona’s potential to beat any team on their day, Savage doubts their ability to lift the trophy. He specifically cited Arsenal as a team that could exploit their defensive vulnerabilities, suggesting a clash with the Gunners would expose Barcelona’s limitations.
Hansi Flick, while acknowledging the challenges posed by Bundesliga opposition like Frankfurt, remained optimistic after the win. He emphasized the need for better decision-making in the final third and praised Kounde’s impact, both in terms of goals and overall mentality.
Flick also addressed a minor incident involving young winger Lamine Yamal, who expressed frustration at being substituted late in the game. The manager welcomed Yamal’s passion, recalling his own competitive spirit as a player and dismissing the incident as a non-issue.
Barcelona’s remaining Champions League fixtures – away to Slavia Prague and a home match against Copenhagen – will be crucial in determining their fate. Winning both games is likely essential to secure a place in the knockout stages and reignite their European ambitions.
