Barcelona started their recent Champions League encounter against Chelsea well, even creating an early opportunity to take the lead when Ferran Torres's shot narrowly missed the post. However, the team's plans quickly unraveled after Ronald Araujo received a red card.

Flick highlighted that Barcelona played almost the entire match with 10 players, asserting that Ronald Araujo's red card in the 44th minute was the game's turning point. "Playing with one player less against Chelsea is a huge disadvantage," he stated. "We lost possession too much, especially with easy passes. Under pressure, the team lost composure."

Coach Hansi Flick during Barcelona's match against Elche at Montjuic Stadium, Barcelona, Spain on 2/11. *Reuters*

Barcelona conceded their first goal from an own goal by defender Jules Kounde. In the second half, Estevao and Liam Delap scored consecutively, securing Chelsea's largest historical victory against Barcelona. Flick's squad subsequently dropped to 15th position and could fall further as this week's matches conclude.

The 60-year-old coach admitted that reaching the top 8 to directly qualify for the round of 16 is currently very difficult for Barcelona. Nevertheless, he maintains confidence that the team can win all three remaining group stage matches. He expects his players to demonstrate more intensity and strength on the field. "I see it in training sessions. The intensity and quality are already different from a few weeks ago," he remarked. "You will see a very different Barcelona. I promise."

In the remaining group stage fixtures, Barcelona will face Frankfurt, Slavia Prague, and Copenhagen. Winning all three of these matches would provide them with an opportunity to advance to the top 8.

Jules Kounde (left) after scoring an own goal in Barcelona's match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, London, United Kingdom on 25/11. *Reuters*

A rare positive note was the return of Raphinha, with the Brazilian star entering the game in the second half. This suggests Barcelona will have their best squad available in the coming weeks. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia has also returned, and midfielder Pedri is expected to recover in a few days.

Sharing Flick's perspective, defender Eric Garcia called for his teammates to play with even greater intensity. He believes Barcelona lost nearly every one-on-one battle on the evening of 25/11. "This match was terrible," the former Manchester City defender stated. "We had just won 4-0 against Athletic Bilbao, but today we were constantly chasing the ball."

In their next match, Barcelona will host Alaves at home in the 14th round of La Liga on 29/11.

By Hoang An (Source: Marca)