CORNERFLICK
Barcelona's attacking model is drawing criticism
Hansi Flick built Barcelona around aggressive attacking football, and the same approach is now being blamed for leaving the team open. Real Madrid used the space behind Barcelona's back line, Kylian Mbappé scored and El Clásico at the stadium once known as the Nou Camp ended 2-1 to Real, cutting the gap between the teams to three points.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the problem stems from Barcelona's high press and constant attacks, which leave large gaps in defence. Opponents have repeatedly punished those spaces through quick counter-attacks.
A repeated problem in big matches
The pattern has already appeared against several major opponents. Paris Saint-Germain beat Barcelona 4-2, Atlético Madrid won with a late Alexander Sørloth goal in December 2024, and the sides drew 4-4 in the Copa del Rey in February 2025.
The issue has also carried into Europe. Barcelona conceded a stoppage-time equaliser against Inter in the 2024-25 Champions League and went out in extra time, then conceded again late against PSG in October 2025 when Gonçalo Ramos scored in the 90th minute. They also struggled against Atlético in Europe in the 2025-26 season.
Rodri pointed to the same weakness after Barcelona's 5-2 win over Real Betis, praising their attack while drawing attention to the goals they are conceding. Flick now has a clear task: keep the attack working while tightening the protection behind it.