‘Barcelona shot themselves in the foot’ – Hansi Flick told his side ‘still haven’t learnt from past mistakes’ after Atletico defeat

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 8: (L-R) Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona, Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona disappointed during the UEFA Champions League match between FC Barcelona v Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou on April 8, 2026 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Former Barcelona star Emmanuel Petit has been critical of Hansi Flick’s side in the wake of their damaging 2-0 defeat to Atletico in the first leg of their Champions League tie.

Goals from Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth have put Diego Simeone’s side in a great position to knock Barca out and progress to the semi-finals ahead of next week’s return in Madrid.

Petit feels that Barcelona still haven’t learned lessons of past defeats and that the high line is still a massive issue for the Catalan giants.

“I love watching Barça. But once again, they shot themselves in the foot,” he told RMC Sport.

“Barça still hasn’t learned from its mistakes. They still don’t have the right defensive profiles to be able to play so high up.”

Barca did have chances to score in the game but lacked a cutting edge in front of goal and were then undone when Pau Cubarsi was sent off and Julian Alvarez scored a free-kick.

The Catalans then pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half, despite being down to 10 men, but conceded again when Alexander Sorloth scored the visitors’ second.