Barcelona’s recent 3-3 draw against Club Bruges has raised serious concerns about their defensive structure — particularly on the left side. Alejandro Balde struggled throughout the game, repeatedly exposed by Bruges’ counterattacks, highlighting a major vulnerability in Hansi Flick’s tactical setup.
Analysts point to the absence of Raphinha as a key factor. Without the Brazilian’s high pressing and defensive work rate, Marcus Rashford’s replacement role offered little protection for Balde, leaving gaps that Bruges exploited with ease.
Hansi Flick, clearly dissatisfied with his team’s performance, was critical in his post-match comments, urging his players to show greater discipline and fighting spirit ahead of their next fixture against Celta Vigo.
The draw also revealed Barcelona’s ongoing difficulty adapting to Flick’s advanced offside trap — a system designed to maintain control but one that demands perfect coordination. If the left flank issues aren’t resolved soon, Barcelona could find themselves vulnerable again in future European contests.
