Daijiworld Media Network - Bruges
Bruges, Nov 6: Spanish giants Barcelona were forced to dig deep to earn a 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in a pulsating UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday night. Hansi Flick’s men came from behind three times, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal once again stealing the spotlight in Belgium.
Barcelona’s defensive frailties were on full display as Brugge’s electric winger Carlos Forbs wreaked havoc, netting twice and assisting Nicolo Tresoldi’s opener. Ferran Torres, Yamal, and an unfortunate own goal from Christos Tzolis spared Barca from what could have been a shock defeat.
“It’s a game I think we have to win, but we have to do things a lot better,” admitted midfielder Frenkie de Jong. “If you let in three goals, it’s difficult to win.”
The Catalans, still recovering from a recent El Clasico loss to Real Madrid, have struggled defensively throughout the season. Yet, coach Hansi Flick stood firm on his tactical philosophy. “We can speak about changing everything, but I am not a coach to change this. We want to play our DNA — we are Barca,” he asserted.
The hosts stunned Barcelona early at the Jan Breydel Stadium when Tresoldi finished off a sharp move orchestrated by Forbs. However, Barca quickly hit back through Torres, who converted Fermin Lopez’s pass with composure.
Brugge’s relentless pace continued to trouble Barcelona’s backline. Forbs combined beautifully with Tzolis before slotting home a second past goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. Despite efforts from Jules Kounde and Lopez — both denied by the woodwork — Barcelona struggled to regain control.
Yamal, showing glimpses of his brilliance, linked up brilliantly with Lopez to score Barcelona’s second equaliser — a deft flick past Jackers into the bottom corner.
Forbs then restored Brugge’s lead with a stylish chip after being played through by captain Hans Vanaken. However, Barcelona found their way back once more when Yamal’s curling shot took a decisive deflection off Tzolis to make it 3-3.
The drama didn’t end there — Brugge thought they had stolen victory late on when Romeo Vermant dispossessed Szczesny and scored, but VAR ruled the goal out for a foul on the keeper.
“They created a lot of danger with just a few passes. It’s something we clearly have to improve,” defender Eric Garcia said after the game.
Despite defensive lapses, Barcelona showed spirit to secure a valuable away point, with Yamal’s dazzling display offering a bright spark amid their ongoing struggles.