"He was simply everywhere against Atletico and a key reason why the Catalans took all three points. Previously only ever seen as something of a fringe player, the 24-year-old has certainly earned his place in Hansi Flick's starting XI. Versatile, committed and willing to roll up his sleeves in every game, it's a wonder that there was ever a consideration for him to leave."
"Whilst the German certainly deserves respect for all that he has achieved with what is, let's be honest, a still emerging Barcelona squad, there have to be question marks raised over his insistence to continue playing the high defensive line. When it works, the high-risk, high-reward strategy is magnificent, but the problem is that it hasn't really worked for a good while now."
"Diego Simeone's side went into the game unbeaten in the last 13 La Liga games, having only lost on the opening day of the 2025/26 campaign when playing away at Barca's near neighbours, Espanyol. Los Rojiblancos were also unbeaten in the last two matches against the Blaugranes in Catalonia, so the hosts had something of a score to settle."
Barcelona hosted Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou in a top-of-the-table clash and took all three points. Atletico arrived unbeaten in 13 La Liga games and had not lost in Catalonia in their last two visits, leaving Barcelona with a score to settle. Eric Garcia was influential across defence and midfield, seizing a regular starting place with committed, versatile performances. Hansi Flick's preference for a high defensive line remains controversial; it was exposed for Atletico's opener and is recommended to be rethought until it proves consistently effective.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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