Barcelona’s first defeat of the season arrived last night at the Parc des Princes against PSG, bringing an end to their run of wins from the first match of the season.
For a long time on the night, the game appeared to be competitive as Barcelona came back from behind to level the score twice.
In fact, the scores were level at 2-2 even in the 80th minute of the game, and the Catalans should have at least managed to hold on to a draw.
Vitinha’s goal from distance and Fabian Ruiz’s late strike, however, closed the game for Barcelona in a span of five minutes, and put up a scoreline that does not do justice to how the team played on the night.
Barca Universal brings you three takeaways from PSG 4-2 Barcelona.
A game that leaves more questions than answers
Everything around Barcelona’s defeat to PSG last night was surrounded by questions that seemingly have no answers at this point in time — especially Hansi Flick’s decisions.
Barcelona put on a strong fight until 2-2. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
The manager opted to rotate his squad on the night and rested Rodri for the biggest game of the season, handing Marc Bernal a start under pressure. He cited that the upcoming El Clasico was the reason for his decision, but the matter does not seem to add up.
Rodri started and played all ninety minutes against Getafe and Real Betis just last week, and to field him in those games and rest him against the reigning European champions was a puzzling decision. Further, when he eventually put Rodri on, he took Pedri off.
That was only the start of Flick’s surprising man-management on the night, for even his other substitutions were difficult to understand.
Anthony Gordon, who was having a poor night by his standards, never came off the field in a game where Barcelona struggled to attack. Gabriel Jesus would have been the perfect substitute in that sense, but the manager did not call on the Brazilian.
Further, the coach took Xavi Espart, who was Barcelona’s best defender and one of the team’s standout players, and brought on Alejandro Balde, who has barely played all season. Why choose such a big game for such radical decisions?
Flick may well have been thinking of El Clasico throughout the game, and that is likely to have modified his approach. Yet, one cannot help but wonder why the coach neglected a game that would have been massive for Barcelona had they won.
The team needs maturity
There was not too much that separated Barcelona and PSG throughout the game, and while the Parisiens did create more chances, Barcelona also created enough to take home a win.
Hansi Flick has some questions to answer. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
Both sides had their injury concerns and missed some big names or had them half-fit, yet played with high intensity and a clear sense of identity.
The difference between Barcelona and PSG, however, was simply the maturity they had to handle the game state. In that aspect, PSG dominated Barcelona by some distance, and that made all the difference.
Having played and won at the highest level against a plethora of opponents in recent years, there was a sense of confidence around PSG on and off the ball last night.
They pressed with purpose, and almost always won the ball back with minimal and purposeful defending. On the ball, they were direct and never seemed to be in any form of panic or stress.
Barcelona, on the other hand, played under visible stress and looked uncomfortable on the ball for the first time in weeks. They struggled to keep possession, were far from calm in front of goal, and even their pressure was not as effective as it usually is.
In terms of potential, there is not much that stands between the two sides. But what Barcelona need at this point, however, is a sense of purpose and belief in big games – something they are understandably lacking given their lack of success in Europe in recent years.
A defeat Barcelona can afford
Hansi Flick’s idea of prioritizing El Clasico over the PSG game was surprising, but not baseless, for there is a much stronger need for Barcelona to win against Real Madrid at the weekend.
Can Barcelona afford this defeat? (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
Given how Barcelona already have a six-point lead over Real Madrid in La Liga, it appears to be Hansi Flick’s priority to get out of sight with the title race at the earliest, so that the side can then focus on the UCL knockouts.
Having struggled to balance domestic competitions with the UCL knockouts in recent years and considering the injuries that such pressure leads to, the manager appears to have his priorities set early in the season.
A win over Real Madrid at the weekend will take Barcelona nine points clear, and if they can keep up their domestic form for another month, they could well be out of sight with the title race.
A strong domestic run until January, in fact, could well see the title wrapped up from their perspective and hand them room to rotate in La Liga ahead of the big UCL games.
In that sense, the team should not dwell on last night’s defeat for long, given that it was always the plan, and all focus should be on recovering and being at 100% to face Real Madrid.
At this point, after all, a defeat in the league stage of the UCL is something Barcelona can afford and still finish in the top 8.