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Hansi Flick’s Barcelona have been an attacking spectacle in large video games, however their offensive firepower has additionally uncovered defensive weaknesses, as seen within the 4-4 draw towards Atletico Madrid within the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals this week.
Having let in two very early targets, Barça bounced again to take a 4-2 lead within the recreation, solely to let Atleti stage up late within the recreation as a consequence of a defensive lapse.
A spectacular however susceptible Barcelona
Membership legend Rivaldo has voiced his concern about Barcelona’s defensive lapses, urging Flick’s facet to keep away from repeating the identical errors in essential upcoming fixtures.
Whereas praising the group’s model of play, Rivaldo careworn that conceding 4 targets in such an essential match ought to function a wake-up name.
“Fortunately, the group managed to attain 4 targets towards Atletico, however conceding 4 is worrying. Barcelona are taking part in nicely, however I can’t bear in mind the final time they allowed 4 targets like this,” he mirrored.
“It’s essential to verify these errors don’t occur once more within the coming matches, which will likely be decisive for the season’s success.”
The thriller between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid was a deal with for the followers, however Rivaldo identified {that a} scoreline this excessive often signifies defensive frailties, saying:
“Everybody loves high-scoring matches, however whenever you see so many targets, it’s often due to defensive errors. A recreation at this stage options a few of the world’s most inventive gamers, however a 4-4 result’s shocking. Fortunately for each groups, it led to a draw.”
Barcelona and Atleti performed out a 4-4 draw this week. (Photograph by Alex Caparros/Getty Pictures)
“However what if one facet had been extra stable defensively? It might have been 4-0 or 4-2,” he additional analysed.
Extra consideration wanted
Rivaldo insisted that Flick should tackle these defensive flaws instantly if Barcelona desires to compete for trophies this season, as he stated
“They have to pay extra consideration. Flick should right these defensive errors if he desires to win titles this season.”
With the tie nonetheless huge open, Barcelona didn’t safe a bonus at Montjuic. Now the second leg will likely be performed on the Metropolitano in April and Rivaldo believes each groups have an equal probability of reaching the ultimate.
“A match like this, ending 4-4, exhibits that every thing continues to be undecided. For my part, Barcelona and Atlético have an equal probability of progressing,” stated the previous Ballon d’Or winner.
“It’s 50-50, despite the fact that the second leg is on the Metropolitano. The primary leg proved how balanced this tie is,” he concluded.
Supply: SPORT
