Barcelona are an attacking machine but defense will decide how far they go in the Champions League

The reality is, they’re precisely what fashionable soccer wants whether it is to reach a future the place there may be fierce competitors for the eye of the general public.

Bias apart, that’s why I believed it was such a pity a yr in the past when Inter made it to the ultimate forward of them.

In opposition to Newcastle, and Sevilla earlier within the week, we noticed Barcelona at their greatest. A staff that may strike worry into any opponent on this planet, as a result of when they’re on, they turn out to be actually unstoppable.

The subsequent morning, I nonetheless can’t imagine the 7-2 rating line. It feels surreal.

Much more so when you think about that over the primary three halves of the 2 leg tie in opposition to their northern England rivals, Barcelona weren’t the higher staff. Their vulnerabilities have been additionally uncovered, and little doubt future rivals will take word.

Partly, it’s as a result of Flick continues to double down on the core ideas of his techniques. He actually needs his staff to determine issues out in reside time, whatever the recreation, by implementing his attacking philosophy despite the challenges in any given matchup.

Lamine Yamal discovered redemption with the late penalty kick within the first half, however he should be taught from his errors as properly. Within the Champions League, in case you give a manner a aim with a nonchalant contact that turns right into a counter assault, after which miss a sitter, you might be placing your staff in a really powerful spot.

I’m thrilled that this Barca staff produces a lot pleasure after they play, however I additionally need to see them make it the space.

For that, they’ve to remain humble, and notice that they nonetheless have a lot room for enchancment.

The worldwide break might be big. Having Jules Kounde and Frenkie de Jong again would be the largest enhance of all because the Blaugrana battle for silverware in Spain and Europe.

I’m most inspired, nonetheless by the small, however important shift in Flick’s excessive line. It does appear that he’s having them be a bit extra pragmatic, and that would make all of the distinction in his staff’s probabilities when the mud settles.

Nonetheless, their protection isn’t their energy. Barca nonetheless surrenders too many targets.

The query might be what number of targets they’re able to produce when it issues most?

And is that this a formulation that may win you the title in opposition to Europe’s greatest?