Can the German find a solution?

Hansi Flick's attacking blueprint has become the very thing that could undo Barcelona. Real Madrid exposed the space behind the Catalan defence at the Camp Nou, Kylian Mbappé punished it, and the Clásico finished 2-1 to the Royal side. That result cut the gap between the rivals to three points.

Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo argue that Barca's heavy reliance on the high press and attacking surges leaves gaping holes in the backline. Opponents keep carving them open on quick counters. It is a problem that has cropped up in more than one big game lately, and it has thrown up serious questions about whether this team can balance attack and defence at all.

Real Madrid were far from the only ones to find those gaps. Paris Saint-Germain prised them apart on their way to a 4-2 win, and Atletico Madrid caused plenty of trouble too, snatching a late goal through Alexander Sorloth in December 2024. When the two sides met again in the Copa del Rey in February 2025, they served up a breathless 4-4 draw.

Europe brought the same misery. Facing Inter Milan in the 2024-2025 Champions League, Barca conceded a stoppage-time equaliser before losing in extra time.

Paris Saint-Germain repeated the trick in October 2025, Goncalo Ramos striking a late winner in the 90th minute. The team ran into familiar difficulties again in their European tie with Atletico Madrid during the 2025-2026 campaign.

One match does not make a trend. These results do. The pattern keeps handing opponents the chance to exploit the space behind Barcelona's defence, especially in the closing minutes, when the side piles forward chasing a goal or trying to keep up the attacking pressure.

Rodri Hernandez flagged it up after Barcelona's 5-2 win over Real Betis. He praised the team's attacking power, yet pointed just as pointedly to how many goals they ship.

Flick, then, faces a clear challenge. He has to keep the attack firing while tightening up at the back and snuffing out the threat of the counter.