Barcelona’s disappointing loss to Las Palmas on Saturday was a sobering reminder that no match in La Liga can be taken lightly, even for a team capable of defeating giants like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Hansi Flick’s side faced a motivated Las Palmas, but much of the blame for the defeat lies within Barcelona’s camp, particularly in tactical decisions made by the manager.
The game got off to a challenging start with Dani Olmo unavailable and Alejandro Balde suffering an early injury. With key players missing, Flick faced a familiar predicament: a surplus of midfielders but a lack of natural forwards. The absence of Marc Casadó, serving a red card suspension, left the midfield unbalanced from the outset, further exacerbating the team’s struggles.
Barcelona maintained 71% possession and managed 27 shots, with eight on target. In stark contrast, Las Palmas had just five shots, three on target, and two goals. The discrepancy highlights the inefficacy of Barcelona’s approach in converting dominance into results. The reliance on a four-midfielder system, featuring Pablo Torre in an unnatural wide position, and a double pivot of Pedri and Gavi, who seemed out of sync, hindered the team’s cohesion.
Lamine Yamal’s introduction at halftime brought hope but also desperation, with the young forward and his teammates appearing over-eager. The lack of Barcelona’s trademark high-press, direct attacking style early in the game allowed Las Palmas to capitalize on counterattacks, exposing vulnerabilities in the high defensive line.
Flick’s reliance on a singular tactical plan has proven risky, particularly when key players like Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Casadó are unavailable. A more flexible Plan B is essential. Pau Victor or Ferran Torres might have a better option upfront, while Eric Garcia could provide cover in defensive midfield when Casadó is absent.
Despite the setback, Flick deserves credit for his efforts in going a season fraught with challenges. However, the loss underscores the need for self-reflection and strategic adjustments. This adversity could serve as a valuable learning opportunity, strengthening Barcelona for the long campaign ahead. With smart management and positivity, the Blaugrana can bounce back and continue competing at the highest level.
