"That's not a Barcelona lineup you should get used to, but it's just what was needed in the moment. Kudos to Hansi Flick for thinking creatively, and getting a decisive result against one of Spain's best teams. Having Joan García back from injury was a significant boost. Ditto for being back at a Spotify Camp Nou stadium that was rocking with music and positive vibrations."
"But the business of the game didn't change. Athletic Club made some egregious errors that certainly helped Barcelona, but the intensity and desire to get a result was there from the beginning for the Blaugrana. Hansi Flick had some big decisions to make. Pedri was still sidelined. Frenkie de Jong was serving a suspension. Marcus Rashford, one of Barca's most reliable players this season, was out sick."
"Instead, with Pedri and Frenkie out, Eric stepped in to lead the defensive midfield. To no surprise, he was excellent and didn't skip a beat. On the defensive line, the expectation was the Ronald Araujo would play. Instead, we saw both Alejandro Balde and Gerard Martín, with Martín moving to center back, giving Flick a left-footed option that has been missing all season long."
Hansi Flick deployed an unconventional Barcelona lineup that secured a decisive win over Athletic Club. Multiple absences and a returning Joan García shaped creative choices and a lively Spotify Camp Nou atmosphere. Eric García shifted into defensive midfield and delivered a strong performance. Alejandro Balde and Gerard Martín started, with Martín at center back providing a left-footed option that had been lacking. Dani Olmo and Fermín López paired in midfield despite perceived competition. Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres started together, a pairing met with skepticism but effective on the night. Athletic Club errors also aided Barcelona's result.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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