Rashford Fails To Debut Again, Flick Needs A Change Of Strategy Suddenly

JAKARTA - Hansi Flick received praise for adjusting Barcelona's tactics in the middle of the match against Levante in Ciutat de Valencia in the second week of La Liga 2025/2026, Sunday, August 24, 2025 WIB.

The Blaugrana were 0-2 behind until halftime. However, they turned things around by winning 3-2.

However, this change in tactics made Marcus Rashford's full debut in La Liga again failed to materialize.

Flick gave Rashford the opportunity to play starter, with Raphinha positioned in the middle and Marc Casado chosen with Pedri to replace the absent Frenkie de Jong.

However, after Levante took a 2-0 lead in the first half - thanks to goals from Ivan Romero and a Jose Luis Morales-Flick penalty again using a more familiar Barcelona line-up, replacing Rashford and Casado with Dani Olmo and Gavi.

Pedri and Ferran Torres then scored early in the second half when Barcelona equalized. Unai Elgezabal's own goal in injury time after a fine pass from Lamine Yamal sent Barcelona home with three points.

"Flick gave us some tactical changes (in the first half) because our position was not good. Most importantly, he said that we had to show our character, the winning gene we had. We played well and effectively," Ferran Torres said.

Barcelona are used to coming back from behind to win last season's game, but didn't expect to do it again at the start of the new season against new promotional Levante.

Flick said the changes he made in the second half were needed to help his men win two wins from two games at the start of the new season.

"I think Marcus had some situations in the first half where it showed how good he was and how he was able to help us."

"For me, of course, in the second half we had to change something. Raphinha on the (left) side is our number 11 player."

"He knows everything (about the way we played), what we want to do when he has to go into the middle. I think we made the right changes."

"But, of course, when we scored the first goal early in the second half, it really helped us and changed the strategy," Flick said of Rashford's full debut failure in La Liga.

Despite winning three points, Barcelona once again showed weaknesses in the transition, with Levante's goals both coming from speeds through the opponent's defense. The promotional club also created other opportunities.

Flick said it was something his team had to learn to move forward, with the Blaugrana coming to Rayo Vallecano next week.

"Levante defended very well, they had very fast players, the transition they made, didn't easily survive when you made a mistake."

"Of course I feel proud (for the comeback), but this is what we have to fix. We're not perfect, but I think it's also a great compliment for Levante."

"We will discuss everything, analyze everything. Every game is always to improve. We have to improve. This match helps us do that," said Flick.