Barcelona's unexpected loss raises concerns over player fatigue
FC Barcelona ended November with an unexpected 2-1 loss to Las Palmas at their home stadium. Spanish media are searching for reasons behind the Catalan team's weaker performance, pointing out the exhaustion of key players, including Robert Lewandowski.
On Saturday, FC Barcelona was defeated by Las Palmas 2-1, which surprised both fans and experts. The month started with a promising 3-1 victory over Espanyol in the derby, but later the team recorded two losses and one draw.
As a result, Barcelona's lead in the La Liga table shrank to two points over Atletico Madrid and one over Real Madrid. However, the "Royal" team has played one less match and could take the league lead with a win.
Several factors are affecting Hansi Flick's team's performance decline. One is the lack of rotation caused by numerous injuries, which limited the coach's options.
Despite excellent performances, players like Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and the pair of central defenders hardly had a break. Barcelona lost its freshness and significantly reduced the level of pressing intensity and alertness - wrote the polish daily "Sport".
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The media also highlighted the goalkeeper lineup. Although Inaki Pena replaced Marc-Andre ter Stegen, his performance did not dispel doubts about this position.
The team needs to rebuild its form and regain energy to stay at the top of the table. Barcelona faces more challenges, and the key to success could be the return of injured players and better rotation in the squad.
FC Barcelona's next match will be on Tuesday, December 3rd. At that time, the Pride of Catalonia will face fifth-place RCD Mallorca away. The match is scheduled to start at 2:00 PM Eastern Time.
