Barcelona’s El Clasico defeat raises fresh questions over defensive planning

Barcelona’s 2-1 defeat by Real Madrid has renewed scrutiny of the club’s defensive planning and its decisions during the summer transfer window.

Ronald Araujo and Alvaro Cortes both left Barcelona during the summer, but the club did not sign a replacement for either player. That decision is now facing increased criticism as pressure grows on the team’s defence.

Several potential targets were considered before the window closed. Alessandro Bastoni was valued at about 70m euros, while Castello Lukeba’s estimated fee was close to 60m euros. Other names linked with a move included Luka Vuskovic, valued at around 54m euros, Nico Schlotterbeck at about 50m euros and Goncalo Inacio at approximately 45m euros.

Cristian Romero was also regarded as a possible option, with his estimated value placed between 30m and 40m euros.

Although the players differed in both cost and technical profile, signing another centre-back would have given manager Hansi Flick greater flexibility. The German coach’s tactical approach places demanding requirements on his defensive players.

Flick regularly uses a high defensive line, meaning his defenders must combine pace with concentration, positional awareness and the ability to defend open spaces. Any shortage of options therefore carries greater risk, particularly when injuries, suspensions and dips in form occur at the same time as the demands of competing on several fronts.

Pau Cubarsi, despite his young age, has been given significant responsibility at the heart of the defence. Gerard Martin is another option available to Flick, but relying on a small group of players could become a serious issue if fitness levels fall or absences begin to accumulate.

A report by Barca Universal said sporting director Deco could have anticipated the need to strengthen the back line before the season began. Instead, it suggested, Barcelona entered the campaign with limited choices in a position that is central to Flick’s tactical ideas.

The club’s wider project continues to place importance on developing young players through its academy. However, that policy does not necessarily remove the need to sign established players, especially when the demands of the competition are high.

With the January transfer window approaching, Barcelona will have an opportunity to address the weakness and add defensive options for the second half of the season. A new arrival could give Flick more flexibility when managing his squad and responding to injuries, suspensions or loss of form.

The club must now decide whether to act in January to correct what the report describes as a mistake in its summer calculations, or continue with its existing defensive group despite the risks highlighted by recent matches.