Barcelona should have accepted a 1-0 loss to Atlético Madrid and now face an even steeper climb
An admirable risk, but was it wise?
Hansi Flick head coach of Barcelona gives instructions during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and Club Atlético de Madrid at Estadio Spotify Camp Nou on April 8, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images FC Barcelona did something admirable. Trailing 1-0, Hansi Flick made two changes to try to chase the game and score a goal.
Most other coaches, and especially not Diego Simeone, would have never done so. Atlético Madrid’s boss would have parked the bus and accepted the 1-0 loss, looking to get the goal in the second leg. It was admirable, but maybe it wasn’t the smartest.
The Catalans came close to scoring despite having 10 men. In the second half alone, Barcelona out-shot Atlético 8 to 1, and held 60% possession compared to 40%. Barcelona also racked up 0.
61 expected goals to 0. 09. It was Atleti who got the most important number though, and that was another goal with their only shot of the second half to make it 2-0.