Flick: Barcelona Survived with Bad

Real Madrid players celebrate a goal by teammate Federico Valverde during the 32nd round of the Spanish League match between Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain, Monday, April 21, 2025 early morning. (ANTARA FOTO/Xinhua/Gustavo Valiente/agr)

Barcelona coach Hans-Dieter "Hansi" Flick admitted his team's defense was poor when they lost 1-2 to Girona in the 2025/2026 Spanish League at the Montivili Stadium, Girona, Tuesday morning WIB.

"We defended very badly, especially during the transition. We were not in a good position and had difficulty holding off Girona's attack," said Flick as quoted by Barcelona's official website.

The team nicknamed Blaugrana took the lead with a goal first through a header from Pau Cubarsi (59') before Girona scored goals through Thomas Lemar (61') and Frank Beltran (86').

According to La Liga's records, Barcelona let Girona shoot nine times on target (out of nine attempts) which resulted in two goals.

Even though, Barcelona has ball possession up to 70.6 percent. They also made 27 shots but only four of them were directed to the goal.

"We played badly. Now we have to fight to improve the situation. In the next few weeks we will return with a different mentality and a higher level," said Flick.

He deeply regretted the defeat. According to Flick, the match should have been a turning point for Barcelona after losing 0-4 to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the 2025/2026 King's Cup semi-final on Friday (13/2).

"We are not in a good condition at the moment. We are in a difficult period," said Flick.

In the match, during the process of creating Girona's second goal, there was a controversy, namely before the goal, Jules Kounde's foot was seen being stepped on by an opponent, although in the end VAR still confirmed the goal.

Seeing the incident, Flick chose not to comment on the referee's decision.

"There is no excuse. We have to play better," said the German tactician.

The result makes Lamine Yamal and his friends fail to seize the top of the 2025/2026 Spanish League standings from Real Madrid and occupy second place with 58 points from 24 matches. Now they are two points behind the Madrid.