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.
Not all is lost. Barcelona could easily go into Madrid and win this UEFA Champions League tie, but they will have to do so starting in a two-goal hole. Considering how well they played even down a man for most of the game, it’s completely possible.
Pau Cubarsí’s sending off in the first half was followed up quickly by Julián Alvarez scoring a stunning free-kick past Joan Garcia. Barcelona were sucker-punched at a moment in which they were dominating. Atleti would’ve likely settled for any win at Camp Nou, but Flick had other ideas. He didn’t bring on a new defender to compensate for Cubarsí’s absence. Instead, he brought on Fermín López and Gavi for Robert Lewandowski and Pedri.
That wasn’t the worst idea, as it gave Barcelona more legs to cover spaces. Barcelona played well under the circumstances, and came reasonably close to scoring. The gamble nearly paid off. Only it wasn’t a gamble Barça had to take.
True, playing away is harder than playing at home. However, playing with 10 is significantly more difficult than playing with 11. Barcelona did the admirable thing here, and even did it well, but was it the wise choice?
