Tuesday night saw Barcelona back at Camp Nou for a top-of-the-table clash against Atletico Madrid.
Diego Simeone’s side went into the game unbeaten in the last 13 La Liga games, having only lost on the opening day of the 2025/26 campaign when playing away at Barca’s near neighbours, Espanyol.
Los Rojiblancos were also unbeaten in the last two matches against the Blaugranes in Catalonia, so the hosts had something of a score to settle.
Goals were almost certainly going to be guaranteed, given that it had been 18 games since Atleti had been involved in a goalless draw, and an astonishing 63 matches since Barca had contested a stalemate.
Let’s take a look at three things that ultimately determined the outcome of this one…
Excellent Eric excels again
One of the unsung heroes of the team, Eric Garcia continues to impress. He was simply everywhere against Atletico and a key reason why the Catalans took all three points.
Previously only ever seen as something of a fringe player, the 24-year-old has certainly earned his place in Hansi Flick’s starting XI.
Versatile, committed and willing to roll up his sleeves in every game, it’s a wonder that there was ever a consideration for him to leave.
In an often congested midfield where physical challenges were the order of the day, Eric more than played his part in keeping Atleti quiet for long periods.
Should Hansi Flick dispense with the high line?
There’s a school of thought that culers should trust in Hansi Flick at all costs.
Whilst the German certainly deserves respect for all that he has achieved with what is, let’s be honest, a still emerging Barcelona squad, there have to be question marks raised over his insistence to continue playing the high defensive line.
When it works, the high-risk, high-reward strategy is magnificent, but the problem is that it hasn’t really worked for a good while now.
It was exposed with ease again by Alex Baena for the first Atleti goal, and surely Barca’s purpose is better served at present by going back to the drawing board and only implementing the high line again once the entire back four are fully in sync?
The calm in Barca’s play when Pedri is on the pitch
The difference in Barca’s play with and without Pedri is marked, and was evidenced once more against Atleti.
It isn’t just his sensational passing range, his positional sense or the manner in which he pulls opponents out of position and still seems to find his target with consummate ease that catches the eye.
There’s a calmness to his play that transmits to his teammates and, as such, even in the heat of battle against one of the most physical teams in La Liga, midfield control is a given.
In the final period of the game, though Barca weren’t quite headless chickens in the central areas, nor were they comfortable in possession.
The most important player in the team? Undoubtedly.
