07 November,2025 10:17 AM IST | Bruges (Belgium) | Agencies
Hansi Flick
Spanish giants Barcelona needed to come from behind thrice to earn a 3-3 draw at Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Teenage winger Lamine Yamal was back to his best for Hansi Flick's side to help them earn a point in a gripping clash, but Barcelona's defence was shredded on multiple occasions by the hosts as Brugge winger Carlos Forbs struck twice (17th and 63rd minute) and set one up for Nicolo Tresoldi (6th min).
Ferran Torres (8th min), Yamal (61st min) and a Christos Tzolis own goal (77th min) saved the Catalan giants from what would have been a humiliating defeat, even though they have several players injured. Nevertheless, amidst criticism from fans and pundits, Flick was adamant that the result was not down to his tactics, but by the lack of cohesiveness in its application by his players.
"We don't have to change our style of play. We have to stick to our philosophy. We want to play [how] our DNA is... we are Barca. [But] we have to do things better. We didn't press the ball and lost many duels, especially in midfield. It's not easy for the back line to defend like that. It's about having more intensity when we don't have the ball. We need to improve in this area," said the German coach.
Meanwhile, his Belgian counterpart, Nicky Hayen, admitted his charges executed his tactics to perfection.
"We played in a way that we knew could earn us points against Barcelona. We exploited the space behind the defence when they pressed us," explained Hayen.
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