Following Barcelona’s dominant 4-1 win over Girona, an unexpected controversy emerged within the team’s dressing room.
With the victory, Barcelona climbed to the top of La Liga with 66 points, leading second-place Real Madrid by three points and Atletico Madrid by seven.
According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, star striker Robert Lewandowski, who scored twice and was eyeing a hat-trick, was visibly frustrated with his teammate, young left-back Balde.
Balde, introduced as a second-half substitute, had multiple chances to set up Lewandowski for additional goals but instead opted for individual plays, squandering key opportunities. This perceived selfishness infuriated Lewandowski, prompting him to confront Balde immediately after the match.
The Polish striker reportedly demanded that coach Hansi Flick exclude Balde from the squad for upcoming games, believing his actions disrupted the team’s cohesion.
Once seen as a crucial player, Balde now faces scrutiny from one of the club’s biggest stars, raising concerns about potential tensions within the squad as Barcelona continues its title chase.