Barcelona’s defeat to Atlético Madrid has left a clear mark on the team’s dressing room, with some voices calling for changes to the starting lineup.
Pedri and Raphinha were the team’s standout performers on the pitch, but their efforts were not enough to prevent another setback at Montjuïc. The players’ discontent is evident, and according to sources close to the club, there is growing pressure for a radical change in the attacking line.
Pedri, the magical midfielder, was the driving force behind the team. He scored Barcelona’s only goal in the match and led the team with a brilliant performance. His ability to link play and create chances were the most positive aspects of a frustrating game. However, his magic was not enough, as the team lost valuable points at home.
Raphinha, for his part, was active in his attacking duties. The Brazilian winger tried every possible way to find the net but was repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who saved his chances on several occasions. Both Pedri and Raphinha were the team’s best, but their efforts lacked sufficient support in attack.
However, the main reason for the defeat remains “Robert Lewandowski”. The Polish striker is still struggling to return to his best form, wasting opportunities that would have been certain goals in previous seasons. At 36, Lewandowski seems far from the player who once stunned the world in his early years at Barcelona, and his lack of effectiveness is beginning to cost the team valuable points.
Pedri and Raphinha’s frustration is not surprising, as both players believe that the team needs a top-level goal scorer capable of taking responsibility for leading the attack. They are not merely calling for a goal scorer, but someone who can press opposition defenses and create a constant threat, something Lewandowski no longer seems capable of providing.
In the club’s offices, this sentiment is beginning to gain more traction. Joan Laporta and Deco are fully aware that continuing to rely on the declining Lewandowski is a problem that must be addressed before it’s too late. The summer transfer window appears to be the perfect opportunity to strengthen the team with a young, elite striker, capable of taking the lead from the Pole.
In the meantime, Pedri and Raphinha will continue to lead the team on the pitch, but their message is clear: for Barcelona to compete at the highest level, their attack must be renewed. The arrival of a new star seems inevitable, and with it, Lewandowski’s departure may be closer than many expect.