Champions League: The impact of Pedri and Iñigo Martínez's absence in FC Barcelona's defeat

The defeat of FC Barcelona against Borussia Dortmund in the return leg of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 quarterfinals was a real wake-up call for the 'culé' team. Beyond the result —a 3-1 against—, the match highlighted a specific weakness in the game plan of Hansi Flick's team.

This duel between Germans and Catalans made it clear that the success of FC Barcelona inevitably depends on having two of its pillars in the starting eleven: Pedri González and Iñigo Martínez. The former, for his ability to organize and control the rhythm of the game in the midfield; the latter, for his leadership and security in the back.

Neither of them started against Borussia Dortmund. Pedri González rested due to technical decision and physical precaution, while Iñigo Martínez did not play to avoid a possible sanction, as he was one yellow card away from suspension for the 'semis'. Coincidence or not, their absence coincided with one of the least brilliant versions of the 'azulgrana' team throughout the season.

Gavi was not enough to replace Pedri

In the midfield, Gavi took the place of Pedri González and shared the base of the game with Frenkie de Jong. But it was clear that, although the Andalusian has his own virtues —more physical display, intensity and defensive character—, he does not offer the control, nor the pause with the ball that the '8' does provide and that was so missed in Dortmund against the gale of play proposed by Borussia.

Even when the match needed to lower the revolutions and cool down the intensity of the 'aurinegros', Hansi Flick understood it and chose to send Pedri to the field for Gavi before the hour of the match.

Special mention: Frenkie de Jong

Special mention deserves Frenkie de Jong in the management of the midfield area. In the absence of Pedri González, the Dutchman multiplied his prominence on the field, showing himself as a judicious player with the ball at his feet and also contributing in defense with timely interventions. He made it clear that his level is on the rise and that the ideal midfield is the one he forms together with the '8'.

Without Iñigo Martínez, the defense lost solidity

Even more noticeable was the absence of Iñigo Martínez, who did not play as a precaution against a possible sanction. In his place came Ronald Araujo, who had a complicated night. A bad control of his originated the first great chance of the match for Maximilian Beier, and his failed clearance was key in the third goal of Borussia Dortmund, scored by Serhou Guirassy.

A performance that, beyond everything, generates uncertainty about whether Ronald Araujo is not quite taking the step forward or finding regularity in his game. He alternates moments of remarkable lucidity with defensive lapses that, added to his complications to come out with the ball dominated from the back line, fuel the debate about whether he, one of the toughest and most reliable defenders in the world, is going through his most fragile and lacking confidence moment.