"Not every game is going to go your way, that's clear. Even the best teams in history didn't win all the time. However, the very least that's expected when that's the case is that players put their bodies on the line for the cause. That every last drop of effort is given so that if, ultimately, the game is still lost, the team can hold their heads high and concede that they were beaten by the better team."
"Alejandro Balde has had his good moments whilst at the club, certainly, but his bad games certainly outweigh those. For an overlapping full-back, he can't cross a ball, and because he spends so much time and energy in attack, he's rarely able to be back in position when required. Much of the time he gets away with it, but he's always exposed against the better sides."
"With Marcus Rashford, Raphinha and Pedri all missing for Barcelona, Hansi Flick was short of quality options before a ball was kicked at the Metropolitano. Not to mention the Rojiblancos had won nine of their last 12 matches held on a Thursday. However, Flick and his squad may have taken heart in the fact that Atleti had only won four of the 10 games played in all competitions during 2026 (D3, L3)."
Barcelona entered the Metropolitano without Marcus Rashford, Raphinha and Pedri, limiting quality options for Hansi Flick. Atletico had favorable Thursday form but had won only four of ten matches in 2026. Barcelona's recent away and Copa del Rey records, plus eight wins in ten head-to-heads, suggested confidence. Atletico dominated the first half with greater intensity, winning most duels and creating more incisive attacks and passing. Barcelona's collective performance was poor. Alejandro Balde’s attacking tendencies and weak crossing left him exposed defensively and often out of position against stronger opposition. Barcelona struggled to match Atletico's effort and intensity.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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