Even though it's only October, many in the Catalan capital actually feel that it might already be the biggest week of FC Barcelona's season. Facing Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League away match on Tuesday followed by a home game against Real Madrid on Sunday, Barcelona have a tough two games ahead of them, and there are some big issues with their backline. The 5-2 victory over Real Betis should have left many feeling completely reassured. Instead, fans came away with as many concerns as positives.
A Real Betis Win Does Not Tell the Whole Story
It must be admitted that Barcelona performed excellently against Real Betis by scoring five times in their match and keeping their unbeaten streak in La Liga. Nevertheless, this match can be considered the worst match Barcelona have played during the current season despite the result. Real Betis made life hard for Barcelona, exposed their defensive weaknesses, and proved that an attacking team could have problems when their tactics fail.
Of course, there is the matter of context in which the result of the match should be evaluated: Facundo Bernal’s sending off in the second half changed the balance in favor of Barcelona. It was particularly interesting to see how Betis got under Lamine Yamal’s skin, as he is usually able to keep his cool despite talking like any talented player. The young star can determine the outcomes of matches on his own, but other players will keep trying to test his patience and temperament. How he reacts to frustration may be just as important as his talent.
Unfortunately, the victory came at another cost.
Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde injury effect
Losing Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde to injury could hardly have come at a worse time. Garcia is expected to miss three to four weeks, while Kounde will miss the PSG match, with his availability for El Clásico dependent on his recovery. That is a significant setback for Hansi Flick. Barcelona's defense has already looked shaky at times, occasionally freezing under pressure and allowing opponents opportunities they should never receive. Now, Flick must find solutions without two important defenders against elite opposition.
This is where squad depth becomes less of a debate and more of a must. Barcelona need their back-ups to make an immediate impact, their midfielders to offer better cover, and their attackers to put their possession into effect. Against PSG, any defensive lapses can be mercilessly exploited. Against Real Madrid, they can decide the title race.
PSG and El Clásico could define Barcelona’s season
The trip to Paris is more than another Champions League fixture. Facing the defending European champions away from home will reveal whether Barcelona can compete with Europe's elite when circumstances are against them. Then comes Real Madrid. A win could enhance Barcelona’s standing in the La Liga table and help them to make an attempt at a new league record. However, a win for Barcelona is not only important in this respect; it will allow them to prove how well they can perform under pressure.
There are many reasons to believe in this Barcelona team. Their attacking quality is undeniable, and adversity can accelerate a squad's development. But optimism cannot blind us to the defensive problems that Betis and others have exposed to date. This week is about more than collecting points. It is about discovering what Barcelona are truly made of. If Flick's team can navigate Paris and defeat Madrid despite these injuries, its title ambitions will look considerably more convincing. October rarely decides an entire season.
But sometimes, it reveals exactly what a team is capable of becoming, and Barca fans should be very confident in this team, especially with what Hansi Flick has shown in his tenure to date, as well as the great performances he and management get from their players.
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