Hansi Flick must be incredibly thankful for that nine-point lead at the top of the table.
Lamine Yamal is largely the reason why the Blaugrana have been able to run away with La Liga, and his goal against Celta Vigo was the reason that they continue to maintain it.
Credit to the whole team for grinding out the win in the second half. Otherwise, had points been dropped, pressure would be building for Barcelona with Lamine out for the rest of the season, and Raphinha’s return date still not confirmed.
If one lesson is to be learned this season, it’s that the best teams in Europe have depth. If you want to compete for trophies in all competitions, you can’t run your players into the ground. Eventually, nature will catch up.
The absence of Raphinha contributed greatly to Barca’s elimination in Europe. The absence of Lamine will make things more interesting than they need to be down the stretch in La Liga.
We can have the debate about whether to blame Flick for not rotating more, Joan Laporta for not backing his manager more in the market, or we can just chalk it up to bad luck and say everyone is doing the best they can within the challenging waters they’re navigating.
To level set though, if we want to talk realistic expectations for next season, running back the same playbook is a recipe for the same results at best, but not for growth. To be in the best position to win the Champions League, continuing with the status quo would be negligent.
If there is a small silver lining to Lamine’s injury, it’s that Barcelona will be forced to see what they are left with when their star, who has carried the team on his back of late, is not present on the field.
Roony Bardghji should get a chance to prove that he is worth keeping around, or if it’s better to move him on at the right price. His technical abilities aren’t in doubt, but his ability to deliver a final ball will be watched closely.
Marcus Rashford, who has clearly fallen out of favor with Flick, will have yet another opportunity to get some minutes in important matches and demonstrate that he is willing to fight for his future at the club. If he doesn’t take it, I think Laporta has his answer about whether the English international should be brought back.
Don’t expect pretty football against Getafe and Osasuna. Those are two games that Barcelona must win any way they can.
Even in games like that, however, individual players must make themselves known, and deliver in key moments.
Of late, Lamine has overwhelmingly been Barca’s main man.
Now, it’s time for someone else to step into the spotlight in Barcelona’s hour of need.