A Bright Spot Emerges as Barcelona Welcomes Key Returns
29 November 2025
Match context and result
Barcelona defeated Deportivo Alavés 3-1 on Saturday in La Liga, delivering a reassuring performance with clear signs of progress and some aspects to tighten up.
Coach Hans Flick praised the return of Rafinha and Pedri, calling their appearance a bright spot in the game and noting that their minutes were carefully managed by the medical staff.
Return of Rafinha and Pedri
Rafinha was on the pitch for about 60 minutes and Pedri for roughly half an hour. Their reintroduction helped Barcelona exert control and contribute to the attack, even though the team continued to make a few mistakes.
"I’m very pleased with their comeback. Rafinha managed 60 minutes and Pedri around 30," Flick said during the post-match press conference. "They influenced the game despite the limited time."
Coach's assessment and future plans
Flick clarified that the interval between matches is short, so starting decisions for Pedri would depend on his physical condition after a careful assessment. He added that both players confirmed they felt fine in the squad reunion.
Additionally, Flick lauded Dani Olmo for scoring his second goal in a week, describing the performance as a hard-to-reach level for the forward.
He also commented on an incident involving two members of the coaching staff, stating he didn’t receive a clear explanation from the fourth official and emphasized that better communication would have helped calm things down.
Squad balance and defensive adjustments
The coach highlighted Marc Casadó’s partial appearance as a meaningful step for the youngster, while noting that Eric Garcia left the pitch due to a painful knock, which limited his involvement.
Flick also discussed Gerard Martínez’s role at center-back, stressing the value of having a left-footed defender to enhance build-up play and offering his appreciation for the professionalism shown by the players involved.
Comparing Barça’s current season to the last, Flick admitted the team has lost some features such as control and high tempo but stressed that there are many areas where improvement is possible and expected. He underscored the need for a balanced approach and continued development across the squad.
In conclusion, Flick reiterated the importance of keeping Casadó in top condition given his balance-defensive role and his ability to read the game effectively, signaling confidence in the young talent as part of Barcelona’s evolving core.
