FC Barcelona are as soon as once more on observe to win the La Liga title, having opened up a seven-point lead over second-placed Actual Madrid.
Nonetheless, their UEFA Champions League hopes are dangling by a thread following the 0-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid this week within the first leg of the quarter-finals.
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Whereas questionable officiating from referee Istvan Kovacs contributed to the outcome, there have been some points with the Catalans’ performances as properly which have raised issues.
Jules Kounde not at his greatest
Certainly, in response to , one of many conclusions that Barcelona drew after the defeat to Atletico was that key defender Jules Kounde was not acting at his greatest.
As per the report, the Blaugrana are involved concerning the dip within the efficiency ranges of the French right-back within the 2025/26 season.
Kounde ended the final season as certainly one of Barça’s greatest gamers, scoring within the Copa del Rey closing in opposition to Actual Madrid, and establishing himself as an undisputed starter at right-back.
Kounde was not at his greatest vs Atletico Madrid. (Photograph by Eric Alonso/Getty Photographs)
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Following that, the defender was handed a brand new contract by the membership in August, particularly with Manchester Metropolis having been sniffing round.
Nonetheless, since then, there was a decline in Kounde’s performances, whereas he has additionally been slowed down by damage issues.
Within the final recreation in opposition to Atletico Madrid, these at Barcelona felt that the right-back was mushy in his duel in opposition to Matteo Ruggeri, permitting him to hit crosses into the field with an excessive amount of ease.
Nonetheless, it should not be forgotten that it was Kounde’s first begin in over a month after he had been sidelined with a hamstring damage.
Nonetheless, there are some issues inside Barcelona about his efficiency this season. And, some reviews in Spain have even prompt that .