Barcelona's 1-2 loss to Atlético Madrid at the Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc this weekend marked the fifth defeat in La Liga for the 2024-25 season, a statistic that now mirrors the total number of losses from last year under Xavi Hernández. Despite being only halfway through the campaign, the current number of defeats has already matched the same figure Barcelona experienced last season, when they finished second with 26 wins, seven draws, and five losses.

This comparison raises an important question: what has gone wrong under Hansi Flick? Despite solid offensive figures—scoring the most goals in both La Liga (51) and the Champions League (21)—Barcelona's defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed. This season, they've conceded 22 goals in the league after just one round of matches, surpassing the 20 goals allowed in the entire 2022-23 campaign, when they were crowned champions under Xavi.

The heavy defeat tally, alongside the defensive issues, has started to cast a shadow over Flick's tenure, with many wondering why the team is struggling to show consistency. The recent losses to teams like UD Las Palmas (1-2) and Leganés (0-1) only add to the growing concern, especially given that the squad has demonstrated its potential in games against Borussia Dortmund (2-3) and Mallorca (1-5).

A possible explanation for this lack of consistency could be the high number of minutes played by key players such as Íñigo Martínez, Raphinha, and Jules Koundé, who have all exceeded 1,500 minutes in the first half of the season. With heavy rotation in the Champions League as well, these players might be feeling the effects of fatigue.

This upcoming break offers Barcelona and Hansi Flick a crucial opportunity to assess the root causes of these recurring struggles. The squad will return to work on December 29 for an open training session at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, with their first match of 2025 scheduled for January 4 in the Copa del Rey against UD Barbastro.

Flick's handling of the squad during the second half of the season will be crucial. With questions surrounding his ability to address both the defensive frailties and inconsistent performances, the break may provide the needed time for reflection and a fresh start in the new year.