Barcelona failed to capitalize on Liverpool’s defeat and settled for a 2-2 draw against Atalanta in the final group stage match of the Champions League. With this result, Barcelona secured second place in their group with 19 points, but they missed the chance to finish as group leaders.
Coach Hansi Flick was visibly upset with the performances of several players, particularly Polish striker Robert Lewandowski and Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo. Flick felt that their inclusion in the starting lineup played a significant role in the team’s inability to secure a win, admitting that he regretted starting them and felt it contributed to the dropped points.
Despite a standout goal from Lamine Yamal, who had an excellent performance overall, Flick criticized him for overdribbling and holding onto the ball too long, disrupting Barcelona’s collective play. Flick warned Yamal that he might be excluded from the starting lineup in future matches if he didn’t adjust his style, emphasizing that the team’s interests must come first.
The tension increased when Barcelona president Joan Laporta entered the dressing room after the match. Laporta expressed dissatisfaction with Flick’s decisions, particularly the inclusion of Lewandowski, De Jong, and Araujo in the starting lineup. He warned the coach that continuing with this trio could jeopardize the team’s season, asserting that a victory was within reach if the lineup had been different.
Laporta’s intervention added to the pressure on Flick, who now faces increased scrutiny over his decisions as Barcelona moves forward in the competition.
