Despite showing their best version in recent weeks, Barcelona fell in the final matchday of the first half of LaLiga against Atlético de Madrid (1-2), surrendering the top spot in the standings to the rojiblancos. These are the keys to the culé team's defeat:

Lack of Precision in Both Boxes

Unlike in previous defeats, Barça played with the intensity that defines Flick's team. They pressed effectively, recovered the ball high up the field, controlled possession with rhythm, and created scoring chances but lacked finishing. The blaugrana side attempted 19 shots, seven on target, while the colchoneros managed five shots, four of which were on goal.

Pedri's Effort Without Reward

In the absence of Lamine Yamal due to injury, Pedri stepped up as the team's leader and proved to be the most in-form player on the squad. The Canary Islander dictated the tempo in the first half, moving freely between lines and scoring the 1-0. However, after halftime, his assists were not converted by his teammates. Even Jan Oblak, the Atlético goalkeeper, denied a second goal from Pedri in the final minutes.

Lewandowski and Dani Olmo's Decline

Both Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, key players early in the season, have lost sharpness and precision. The Polish striker has gone from scoring 14 goals in the first 11 matches to just two in the last seven league games. Meanwhile, Olmo, who netted three goals in his first three appearances, hasn’t scored in LaLiga since November 3, and yesterday he gave up his starting spot to Gavi.

Physical Exhaustion

Atlético coach Diego Simeone pinpointed the issue during his press conference: "When at the start of games Barcelona can't capitalize on their effort with goals, other things happen." And so it was. The rojiblanco team weathered the culé dominance during key moments, grew stronger as the game progressed, and exploited the spaces left by a tired opponent to counterattack.

Weakness on the Flanks

Both of Atlético de Madrid’s goals came from plays down the wings, a recurring weak spot in Barça’s defense in recent matches. This vulnerability needs urgent attention if Flick’s team wants to improve defensively. The culé side hasn’t kept a clean sheet in LaLiga since their 4-0 win against Real Madrid on October 26, conceding 12 goals in the last eight games.

Limited Impact from the Bench

With Hansi Flick suspended, Marcus Sorg led the team and made substitutions in the final 30 minutes, bringing on Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, and Eric García, but none managed to change the course of the game. In contrast, Atlético's adjustments, like the inclusion of Nahuel Molina and Sørloth, proved decisive, culminating in the play that sealed the 1-2 victory.

Concerning Numbers: Five Points in Seven Games

After racking up 11 wins and just one loss in the first 12 matchdays, Barcelona has only won one of their last seven LaLiga games, a 5-1 win over Mallorca. They drew against Celta (2-2) and Betis (2-2) and have lost their last three home games against Las Palmas (1-2), Leganés (0-1), and Atlético de Madrid (1-2). This poor home form hasn’t been seen since the 1965-66 season.