After profitable all 4 of final season’s Clasicos, Sunday’s efficiency was emblematic of Barcelona’s unconvincing begin to the marketing campaign.
Accidents have robbed boss Hansi Flick of key gamers together with Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system is not working with out them.
“It is like the entire group is a bit bit much less sharp with out the ball, much less hungry to get well it, much less aggressive to get the possession again,” added Balague.
“It is simpler to assault them. If the defensive position is just not excellent, because it wasn’t on the Mbappe aim as a result of Alejandro Balde performed him onside, they don’t seem to be helped by the midfield and forwards not closing down these on the ball in addition to they need to.”
Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief of Actual final season, was stored largely in verify.
“Their stars weren’t at their greatest. Lamine would not really feel like he is in good type, maybe he is affected by groin issues that do not permit him to show his expertise.
“The Barcelona of a yr in the past that caught Mbappe offside eight instances, with Lewandowski, Raphinha and Lamine enjoying collectively, is gone in the meanwhile.
“They miss Raphinha in assault however defence as effectively, the depth that he provides.”
Marcus Rashford has been a shining gentle for Barcelona since becoming a member of on mortgage from Manchester United, however on Sunday he seemed blunted.
“He was making an attempt to create hazard on the left-hand facet, however he discovered himself too typically on his personal and he couldn’t beat the Madrid defence,” added Balague.
“Barcelona attacked too shortly which meant he needed to beat one, two, three defenders.
“He felt a bit bit remoted and he misplaced possession rather a lot within the second half. He could not create numerous hazard, however he assisted for the aim. That got here on the again of Barcelona stealing possession for the second time in 40 minutes. They do not do that always sufficient, so their model falls aside.”
