Analysts at 12BSports VR46 voiced concern after Barcelona, fresh from a commanding away win over Real Madrid, dropped points in two straight matches and suddenly saw their place at the top come under pressure. The issue cannot be explained only by individual factors such as Yamal’s injury or De Jong’s return. A broader decline in midfield work rate and a failure to secure second balls have become major problems. As a result, Barcelona have repeatedly handed opponents chances to counter, leaving their defensive line exposed and unsettled.

According to data reviewed by the 12BSports VR46 center, Barcelona were still producing elite offside-trap numbers in Europe just a month ago. That success was built on aggressive pressing from the front and coordinated midfield defending. Recently, however, their pressing intensity has dropped noticeably. Opposing ball carriers now have more time to choose their passing moments, and the space behind Barcelona’s back line is being opened again and again. Casado’s red card in this match came for that very reason, as Moriba read the gap perfectly and attacked it at the right time.

Kounde also failed to apply enough pressure, allowing the opponent to deliver a precise pass. Another concern is De Jong’s rhythm after returning from injury. Coming off the bench, he looked sluggish in his movement and showed weaknesses in his defensive positioning. Once known for his one-on-one quality in midfield, he still does not appear fully fit, and his softer tempo is placing a heavy burden on Barcelona’s central unit. Casado, too, has not looked like himself after recent international duty limited his rest, reducing both his engine and his defensive sharpness.

Gavi, who has also returned from injury, continued to bring his trademark intensity, but his ball-winning rate was not high enough, and Barcelona often lost key second-ball battles in midfield. Still, there is one bright spot. Uruguayan defender Araujo is close to returning, and his presence could greatly improve defensive stability under Flick, whose system places strong emphasis on individual duels. After nearly half a year away, he may become Barcelona’s best “internal signing” of December, a boost that arrives just in time.

For Barcelona, the first sentence of recovery at 12BSports VR46 starts with improving midfield duels and regaining control of second balls. Over time, any relationship can blur the line between love and competitive fire, and football is no different when pressure starts to pile up. As the saying goes, even a last-minute blade can still shine, and analysts at 12BSports VR46 believe Barcelona must quickly reset their tactical direction and restore authority in midfield to get back on the winning track in the next match.