Rivaldo’s warning to Hansi Flick’s Barcelona – ‘Must pay more attetion’ | OneFootball

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona have been an attacking spectacle in big games, but their offensive firepower has also exposed defensive weaknesses, as seen in the 4-4 draw against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals this week.

Having let in two very early goals, Barça bounced back to take a 4-2 lead in the game, only to let Atleti level up late in the game due to a defensive lapse.

A spectacular but vulnerable Barcelona

Club legend Rivaldo has voiced his concern about Barcelona’s defensive lapses, urging Flick’s side to avoid repeating the same mistakes in crucial upcoming fixtures.

While praising the team’s style of play, Rivaldo stressed that conceding four goals in such an important match should serve as a wake-up call.

“Luckily, the team managed to score four goals against Atletico, but conceding four is worrying. Barcelona are playing well, but I can’t remember the last time they allowed four goals like this,” he reflected.

“It’s crucial to make sure these mistakes don’t happen again in the coming matches, which will be decisive for the season’s success.”

The thriller between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid was a treat for the fans, but Rivaldo pointed out that a scoreline this high usually indicates defensive frailties, saying:

“Everyone loves high-scoring matches, but when you see so many goals, it’s usually because of defensive mistakes. A game at this level features some of the world’s most creative players, but a 4-4 result is surprising. Luckily for both teams, it ended in a draw.”

Barcelona and Atleti played out a 4-4 draw this week. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“But what if one side had been more solid defensively? It could have been 4-0 or 4-2,” he further analysed.

More attention needed

Rivaldo insisted that Flick must address these defensive flaws immediately if Barcelona wants to compete for trophies this season, as he said

“They must pay more attention. Flick must correct these defensive mistakes if he wants to win titles this season.”

With the tie still wide open, Barcelona failed to secure an advantage at Montjuic. Now the second leg will be played at the Metropolitano in April and Rivaldo believes both teams have an equal chance of reaching the final.

“A match like this, ending 4-4, shows that everything is still undecided. In my opinion, Barcelona and Atlético have an equal chance of progressing,” said the former Ballon d’Or winner.

“It’s 50-50, even though the second leg is at the Metropolitano. The first leg proved how balanced this tie is,” he concluded.

Source: SPORT