Barcelona’s 2024/25 campaign, which began with promise and dominance, is unraveling as a recurring inability to close out games undermines Hansi Flick’s vision for the team. The latest setback came in a 2-2 draw against Real Betis, marking a worrying trend that has seen the Catalans drop 10 points in four matches—half of them from winning positions.
While rotations and substitutions aimed at prioritizing the Champions League were evident, the loss of control late in matches has become a defining issue. Against Betis, Barça’s defensive lapse in the closing stages gifted the opposition a deserved equalizer, reflecting a pattern of “routine slacking off” that has proven costly.
A Persistent Problem
This fragility in the final moments is more than a coincidence. Late-game management—whether through defensive solidity or sustained attacking pressure—has eluded Flick’s side. The reliance on fringe players hasn’t yielded the desired consistency, and even when Barça goes ahead with substitutes on the pitch, as they did with Ferran Torres scoring off the bench, lapses in concentration undo their efforts.
Bigger Implications
The dropped points are a gift to Real Madrid, who, despite their underwhelming form, now have a chance to overtake Barcelona with two games in hand. This development is especially disappointing given Barça’s dominant performance at the Santiago Bernabéu earlier in the season, which should have established them as clear favorites for the title.
A Familiar Story
As critics note, Barcelona’s current trajectory mirrors last season’s struggles under Xavi, with little evidence of the transformative progress expected under Flick. If the German tactician cannot address these shortcomings—particularly the defensive mindset in critical moments—his revolution may stall before it truly begins.
The coming fixtures against Borussia Dortmund, Leganes, and Atletico Madrid will be pivotal in determining whether Barça can rediscover their early-season form or succumb to a cycle of missed opportunities.
