Barcelona Reach Champions League Semi-Finals Amid Dressing Room Push for Pedri’s Inclusion
Barcelona have booked their spot in the Champions League semi-finals after a tense encounter with Borussia Dortmund. Despite losing the second leg 3–1, their emphatic 4–0 victory at Montjuïc in the first leg was enough to carry them through to the final four.
While qualification brought relief, it also sparked serious post-match conversations within the squad. According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, several players voiced their concern over Pedri being left out of the starting lineup—a decision they believe nearly cost them control of the match.
The midfielder, who entered the game in the second half, made an immediate impact. With Dortmund dominating possession and applying constant pressure, Pedri helped calm the tempo, improve passing cohesion, and reestablish midfield control, even though it wasn’t enough to change the final score.
Key players like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha reportedly approached coach Hansi Flick after the final whistle with a clear message: Pedri needs to start. Lamine, frustrated by the lack of connection between midfield and attack, felt Pedri’s absence was a major reason the offense failed to click early on. Raphinha echoed those thoughts, saying the team’s rhythm improved noticeably once Pedri came on.
Flick, known for his structured approach and cautious squad rotation, had left Pedri out of the starting XI to manage his fitness. However, the second leg’s performance highlighted the cost of that decision. Without their midfield maestro, Barça struggled to assert control.
Insiders suggest Flick has taken the message seriously and is unlikely to bench Pedri again in high-stakes matches—barring injury concerns. With a Champions League semi-final on the horizon, the young playmaker is expected to play a key role as Barcelona chase European glory.
