Barça’s First Test Is Underway.

 

FC Barcelona were back in action following the long FIFA break. Fortunately, there was one minor injury to Raphinha to worry about. Now, Barça has its first test of the season is underway as they dealt with an away victory to Galatasaray and a home victory against Real Betis. Next up, Paris Saint Germaine and Real Madrid.

Barça picked up right where they left off before the international break. They remain perfect and now face two major tests against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. While many see these matches as the ultimate measure of just how good this Barça side really is, the reality is that the timing could hardly be worse. With two huge games coming so soon after the FIFA break, the only difficult challenge at this inconvenient moment is El Clasico.

The main focus should be the league crow. A victory over Real Madrid would give Barça a nine-point gap ahead of their archrivals. It is true that league titles are not won in October, but they can be lost that early. Establishing a big lead in the league standings would allow them to rotate for the Champions League in the second half of the season to keep the players fresh.

It is unfortunate that the game against PSG had to be right before El Clasico, but the Champions League is a long journey which does not deserve its attention at the moment. A victory against Real Madrid would establish a new record for most wins, ten, to start a season. More importantly, a win would also deliver a psychological blow to their rivals and cause them more turmoil.

With the recent injuries to Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde, it would be vital not to lose more players to injury before El Clasico. I doubt Hansi Flick would rest so many starters against the European champions, PSG, but it is possible that their paths would cross again in the spring. It would be unfortunate for the Blaugrana to lose more players because of this clash before meeting Madrid.

Furthermore, Flick will have to find a way to rest Lamine Yamal. As much as the young star is important to the team’s success, Flick will have to find a way to rest him a few games to avoid losing him to an injury. Pedri and Gavi are perfect examples of players who paid the price from playing too much. Barça suffered last season when Lamine Yamal had to sit on the sidelines in the final weeks of the season because of an injury to his hamstring. Let’s hope Flick and Lamine Yamal have learned from that setback and think long-term instead of short term.

Barça starts 2025 with a bang and with doubts.

FC Barcelona has kicked off 2025 with a series of impressive results. The Blaugrana are unbeaten so far this year and have secured significant victories over Athletic, Real Madrid and Benfica. However, there are doubts about this team moving forward in different positions.

Barça may have ended 2024 in disappointing fashion, but 2025 have seen them excel as they to challenge for all three trophies this year after already capturing the Spanish Super Cup. Unbeaten in eight matches stretched between four different competitions, it seems that Barça may have found their grove back. Barça gave us an unforgettable commanding 5-2 win over Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa final and an exhilarating come from behind 4-5 victory in Portugal over Benfica in the Champions League. Barça finished second in their Champions League group and will enjoy a bye in the knockout stages.

The attacking duo of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal has been instrumental in Barcelona's recent success. Their synergy and creativity have consistently troubled opposition defenses, contributing crucial goals and assists. Midfielder Pedri is enjoying being the maestro orchestrating play with precision, dictating the tempo and linking defense with attack seamlessly, and it’s great to see the scrappy Gavi back in action. Even Frenkie de Jong has put in some decent performances recently which is a plus for the midfield. Defensively, Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, and Alejandro Balde have formed a formidable backline. Their performances have been pivotal in maintaining the team's defensive stability.

However, not all is well for the Blaugrana as there are lingering questions for Hansi Flick. Despite the positive outcomes, manager Hansi Flick still has a 7-point mountain to climb in the league standings. Furthermore, he has some difficult decisions to make regarding some of the players.

The first issue that Flick must deal with is the goalkeeper dilemma. The choice of the starting goalkeeper remains uncertain, as both Wojciech Szczęsny and Iñaki Peña have exhibited inconsistencies. Flick will have to get it right in who will command the goal the rest of the way.

Another area of concern is the defensive partnership in the center of the back four. After Iñigo Martínez went down with an injury, Flick was able to call up Ronald Araújo to fill in. However, who will Flick select when Martinez, Araújo and Christiansen are all fit to be the ideal partner for Pau Cubarsí in central defense. It is remarkable that the teenager Cubarsi is the sure bet while the other three have their flaws and injury history. Will Flick rotate partners or settle on one of the three to strengthen the backline.

The final concern is what Robert Lewandowski’s role will be during the second half of the season.  The veteran striker’s position in the starting lineup is under scrutiny and he usually disappears in the second half of the season. It doesn’t help that the Blaugrana seem to score more when he is not in the starting lineup. Flick will have to assess whether to continue with Lewandowski as a starter or perhaps utilize him as an impactful substitute, a super sup much akin to Henrik Larsson’s role in the past, and go with Ferran Torres up front or rely on a false 9 as a way to optimize the team's dangerous attack.

As Barcelona battles on all three fronts in the next few months, Flick’s decision about these areas will be essential for sustaining the Blaugrana’s momentum and achieving their objectives. The team's depth and talent provide a solid foundation, However, clarity in these areas will be pivotal for continued success.