Barcelona’s perfect start to the season has come to an end at the hands of PSG, but hopefully the experience wasn’t for naught.
The Parisians reminded the world that they are two-time defending European champions for a reason. They have one of the best coaches in the world, they have the deepest roster in the world, and in the end, the Champions League is really the only competition that they have to take seriously.
Barcelona may have Hansi Flick, but in Paris they looked tired, even if they fought through the fatigue honorably, and there was a noticeable drop in quality from their backups.
Coming into the match, the big concern was the defensive line. In the end, Gerard Martín was able to play, and alongside Pau Cubarsí, João Cancelo, and Xavi Espart, the back four stood tall and did what was asked of them.
In the first half at least, it was the front four who struggled to make an impact. Anthony Gordon had perhaps his worst game in Barca colors, Raphinha was barely involved, and Lamine Yamal’s turnover handed PSG the opening goal.
Still, Barcelona showed maturity and kept fighting until the momentum finally shifted.
Ironically, the breakthrough moment came from their most inexperienced player. Xavi Espart is simply not afraid of anything. He plays like he belongs in the Barcelona starting lineup, whether it’s calmly scoring a big goal, or bodying Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, one of the toughest players in Europe.
Other than young Xavi, the other Barcelona player to have an all around influential game was Pedri.
Here’s the thing though, we are starting to learn that Flick really is dependent on certain players. At the moment, there is a noticeable drop in quality in the double pivot when either Pedri or Rodri aren’t there.
Although it may sound harsh, I don’t think Marc Bernal is ready for these high pressure games. When Frenkie de Jong makes his return, it will be hard for him to see game time. Personally, I couldn’t understand why Gavi didn’t get the start.
The other big area of concern coming out of this game is Raphinha. Barcelona need the Brazilian to be totally fit for the biggest games of the season. Right now, he looks like he’s playing at 75%, and with Real Madrid coming up next, Flick will have to decide if this level is good enough for the starting lineup.
PSG is a team with incredible depth, and an incredible advantage in their ability to manage minutes through a very weak French domestic calendar.
This game was important for Barcelona as a barometer to see how well they stack up against the giants of Europe.
I came away very impressed by the character of the Barca players. I think they are an improved group tactically from a year ago, and they didn’t back down from the test of taking on Luis Enrique and his star team in front of a hostile crowd in Paris.
I was also reminded of the feelings myself, and many other Barca fans, were having over the summer.
The starting eleven at Barcelona may very well be the best in the world, but come Springtime, when the Champions League knockouts begin, they may not be able to rely on their preferred lineup.
The current hobbled state of the defensive line isn’t the result of bad luck, it’s the result of bad planning.
Even though Raphinha has been stellar this season, he has been injury prone, and Barcelona need a good backup option.
As I’ve said before, if Barcelona falls short this season, it will be because they beat themselves. I’m not talking about the players or the coach here, I’m talking about the president and the sporting director.
There’s no reason to panic or be negative at the moment. Barcelona should leave Paris feeling positive after putting in a spirited performance.
They should also be grateful for the wisdom they acquired, and put it to good use.
For now, all focus should be on La Liga, while staying steady in the first phase of the Champions League.
Flick, above all else, must keep his best players healthy. That means giving plenty of rest, even if it feels like taking risks, to Raphinha, Rodri, Pedri, and even Lamine Yamal.
Joan Laporta and Deco should start getting busy and take a serious look at moves that may be necessary in the winter market. A defender or two are obviously needed.
Barcelona and PSG put on an entertaining boxing match. In the end, Barcelona took punches, and gave some good ones back, but they couldn’t make it to the end.
Let’s hope, if these two teams meet again in the Champions League knockouts, Barcelona will show up as the best version of themselves.
For that to be possible, player management will be key.
Flick I have no doubt will do his job, but he will also need some help from the club leaders in the president’s suite.
For today, PSG have proven that they are still the best team in the world.
Barcelona, on the other hand, aren’t so far away.
Humility and perspective may be just what’s needed at the moment as they keep moving forward towards achieving their ambitious goals.