The Catalans have raised concerns about their slow start and vulnerability on set pieces.
Barcelona and Inter Milan delivered a thrilling first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final last night, full of goals, intensity, and beautiful play. Yet despite the spectacle, Hansi Flick’s players have invited deeper reflection. The team’s sluggish start and their weakness in defending set-pieces are now under scrutiny.
Several players, including Ferran Torres, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Pau Cubarsí, were openly self-critical after the match—even though they all expressed confidence that they can win in Milan and book a place in the final.
“Salimos dormidos. Le dimos la vuelta a la situación, que era muy difícil, y tenemos que aprender de esos errores. Al final, unas semifinales de la Champions se pueden decidir por jugadas a balón parado. Que no nos pase en su casa, porque ellos son muy buenos”, warned Ferran Torres. The Valencian striker once again filled in for the injured Lewandowski and found the back of the net.
“Encajar muchos goles en casa es inaceptable”, stated Raphinha. The Brazilian, echoing Torres, emphasized the importance of improving their set-piece defense and reminded everyone that Inter is particularly strong on corners.
Similarly, Pau Cubarsí criticized Barcelona’s opening phase:
“Tenemos que hacer autocrítica porque nos han llegado muy poco y nos han marcado tres goles, pero no tenemos que ser negativos, pensar que podemos ganar en la vuelta y en que la afición nos ayuda. No hemos salido como teníamos que salir.”
Even Lamine Yamal left the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys visibly frustrated and serious, convinced that the team could have won the game.
Head coach Hansi Flick also highlighted the same weaknesses:
“No hemos empezado bien, encajando dos goles. Hemos recibido dos tantos a balón parado. Tenemos que mejorarlo.”
Despite the concerns, the belief within the squad remains strong that they can overturn the result in the second leg and reach the Champions League final.
