Barcelona’s thrilling yet frustrating 3-3 draw against Club Bruges has left plenty of questions surrounding Hansi Flick’s tactical setup — especially on the left side of the pitch. The Blaugrana’s usually solid structure appeared fragile in Belgium, where Alejandro Balde was repeatedly exposed by Bruges’ fast transitions. The young full-back, known for his attacking flair, struggled to cope with the defensive demands of Flick’s high line.
One of the key concerns stems from the absence of Raphinha, whose relentless pressing and defensive contribution are often overlooked. In his place, Marcus Rashford — though dynamic in attack — failed to offer the same defensive intensity. This imbalance left Balde isolated, forcing Barcelona’s back line into uncomfortable situations. The issue highlighted just how essential Raphinha’s work rate is in maintaining Flick’s aggressive offside trap.
Hansi Flick’s system thrives on compactness, coordination, and collective pressing — principles that were clearly missing in Bruges. The advanced offside trap, a hallmark of the German manager’s approach, requires near-perfect timing and unity between defenders and midfielders. Against Bruges, however, the gaps were evident. The home side exploited Barcelona’s disorganization with well-timed runs and quick passing combinations, exposing the risk of Flick’s high-risk strategy when execution falters.
After the match, Flick didn’t mince his words. The Barcelona boss criticized his players’ lack of fighting spirit, emphasizing the need for sharper concentration and greater determination. He demanded a strong reaction in their upcoming clash against Celta Vigo, insisting that the team must rediscover its intensity and balance on both flanks. For Barcelona, the message is clear: defensive discipline must match attacking brilliance if they are to contend seriously in Europe this season.
