Were Barcelona unlucky versus Atlético Madrid or have they still not learned their lesson in the Champions League?

It’s onerous to be upset with this Barcelona crew.

There have been two huge disappointments this season, each by the hands of Atlético Madrid, however Hansi Flick’s Blaugrana by no means surrender, and so they by no means cease entertaining.

Flick drew it up completely to begin the second leg. You possibly can’t argue along with his beginning lineup, the techniques, or the mentality of his gamers.

It was a little bit of a shock to see Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski dropped to the bench, and to see Gavi get the nod within the midfield, however these selections clarify precisely what Flick was going for. Most depth above all else, the core ingredient you want if you wish to make a comeback.

Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Fermín López have been the best forwards for the job. Dani Olmo didn’t have his greatest sport, however from a tactical perspective, his inclusion was important.

Gavi was at his warrior greatest, even perhaps outplaying Pedri, an nearly unimaginable feat.

Lamine may have taken his sport to an ever increased stage. This was a bona fide possessed celebrity efficiency when it mattered most. Extra Michael Jordan than Lebron James when you ask me. On offense and protection, he set the tempo and carried his crew on his shoulders.

If Fermin’s diving header goes in, Atleti are taking a look at a attainable blow out. From the second the blood began operating down his face, the unstoppable momentum that Barcelona have been constructing got here to a cease.

Ultimately, Barcelona lived and died by their identification. The comeback was greater than attainable due to the aggressive attacking soccer they’ve turn out to be identified for, and the comeback was extinguished in two key moments that spotlight their greatest vulnerabilities.

Ademola Lookman’s aim that put out Barca’s fireplace was as soon as once more made attainable by a deep run behind a excessive backline. The foul from behind that bought Eric Garcia despatched off was a tough to imagine case of déjà vu another time.

Even earlier than the purple card, nevertheless, Barcelona have been beginning to decelerate. If I’m crucial of Hansi Flick in any manner on this sport, I believe his in sport administration may have been a bit extra proactive. Frenkie de Jong was wanted earlier on, and maybe it ought to have been Olmo making manner as a substitute of Fermín.

Possibly it’s neither right here nor there. At that time, Barca was chasing the sport.

The chance to win it was once they had an opportunity to press their benefit within the first half.

One factor we all know, the Champions League is merciless, and it actually doesn’t at all times reward the groups that play the most effective soccer.

For that motive, Barcelona, and their fantastically cussed insistence on taking part in the sport with poetry as a substitute of prose, will at all times be at an obstacle.

May they’ve been higher, and gone farther?

It’s onerous to miss the patterns that proceed from the previous, however when you decide them based mostly on the 2 quarterfinal video games in opposition to Atleti alone, in my coronary heart I believe they have been unfortunate this time round.

It’s heartbreaking, however I’m grateful for the present.

One factor’s for positive, with Hansi Flick in cost, I can’t wait to see what these unbelievable stewards of the sport have in retailer for us subsequent 12 months.

Soccer wants Barcelona, so let’s hope that is just the start of their story.