Barcelona survived a scare to seal their automated spot within the UEFA Champions League final 16 in midweek.
Hansi Flick’s facet narrowly missed out to Liverpool within the race for prime spot within the league section
The avoidance of a playoff is a lift for Flick, because it permits for extra concentrate on the La Liga title race, with rivals Actual Madrid going through two additional video games on the schedule.
The celebrity assault of Barcelona has caught the attention thus far within the competitors, with 28 scored, six greater than their nearest rivals Borussia Dortmund.
Nevertheless, because the mud settles on the primary section of the event, considered one of their unsung heroes has emerged as a key star, with Marc Casado a stat king thus far this season.
The La Masia graduate was quick tracked into the primary staff this season
His vitality and tenacity in a defensive midfield position is the right platform for Barcelona’s attacking stars with Pedri and Gavi the right hyperlink males for him.
Based mostly on the eight Champions League video games performed thus far, Casado began seven, and accomplished 90 minutes within the first six.
He was rested from the beginning towards Atalanta, with progress successfully already wrapped up, however his numbers are nonetheless excellent.
Casado has gained probably the most duels as a midfielder in Champions League this season, and is third on the all positions record, successful 51 out of 76.
He’s second solely to Jude Bellingham for tackles made, 15 to 10, and he additionally ranks within the High 10 for midfielders with fast recoveries after a ball loss and turnovers.
The 21-year-old could not acquire the plaudits which a few of his teammates do, however his significance to Flick can’t be understated, and he might be essential to their hopes of one other trophy in 2025.