Arsenal may remain favourites for the Premier League title, but on current form, Chelsea will believe they can force their way back into the conversation.
Barcelona Struggle Without Pedri
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick downplayed the significance of his side’s defeat, pointing to several challenges that affected their performance. Barça finished with 10 men, Raphinha was only fit enough to come off the bench, and Marcus Rashford had just recovered from a fever after returning from international duty with England.
However, the most crucial absence was arguably that of midfield talisman Pedri. Without him, Barcelona struggled to maintain control in possession, allowing Chelsea’s high pressing game to expose mistakes across the pitch.
Flick admitted:
“We made some big ball losses — that was the key today. Some players made unusual mistakes. But I also saw positives, and we’ll work on the rest. I’m happy Raphinha is back, and Marcus is at this level. As I’ve said, I prefer to look positively.”
Despite the loss, Barcelona’s season will ultimately be judged by their performances in the later stages of the Champions League and in La Liga, where they sit one point behind Real Madrid.
The new Champions League format still offers Barcelona a clear path forward, with three favourable fixtures remaining: home matches against Eintracht Frankfurt and Copenhagen, and a trip to Slavia Prague in between. Even so, they will likely need to win all three to qualify directly and avoid the play-off round.
What’s Next?
- Chelsea: host Premier League leaders Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday (16:30 GMT).
- Barcelona: welcome Alavés to the Olímpic Lluís Companys on Saturday (15:15 GMT).
