New Delhi: Barcelona’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League was a testament to the brilliance of their youthful midfield trio. While Raphinha’s hat-trick captured headlines but the real engine behind the success was the tireless performance of Marc Casado, Pedri, and Fermin Lopez. These three young talents, all just 21 years old helped control the game in a way that has quickly elevated their profiles on the European stage.
With Barcelona struggling financially and plagued by injuries only a few expected this trio to shine. Casado, Lopez, and Pedri have seamlessly stepped into key roles and made the most of their opportunities. Two of the three, Casado and Lopez, were fortunate to even be on the field as Gavi, Andreas Christensen and Frenkie de Jing were injured otherwise they would have played instead more established names would have likely started in their places.
🔥 FULL TIME!!!! 🔥 #BarçaBayern pic.twitter.com/Q7ZK79JKvy
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 23, 2024
Who made up an exceptional trio?
Hansi Flick midfielders promise little but have delivered a lot. Marc Casado was the deepest of all the three shielding the defence, winning the ball back for his side, and also understanding how to read danger firsthand. This season has been a breakthrough for the former Barcelona B captain, who had limited chances under Xavi but is now becoming a regular starter under Hansi Flick. Casado’s presence in the Champions League games has brought balance and stability to the side and his assist in the match against Bayern showcased his growing influence.
We need to talk about Marc Casado’s assist to Raphinha to extend Barcelona’s lead over Bayern Munich 🔥
The 21-year-old defensive midfielder was thrusted into Barca’s starting XI after injuries to multiple teammates to start the season.
Barcelona have done it again with this… pic.twitter.com/w7vMIJLgBw
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 23, 2024
Pedri has already earned a name for himself and was the linchpin of this midfield. Acting as the link between defense and attack, he is the player Barcelona relies on to transition smoothly from the back to the forward line. Since joining from Las Palmas in 2020 Pedri has been a element in the Barcelona midfield and despite his young age, he brings experience and leadership. The 2021 Golden Boy award winner holds the ability to drive forward, pass under pressure, and set the tempo for his teammates was essential in disrupting Bayern’s rhythm.
The final asset of the trio was Fermin Lopez, who was given the freedom to roam forward as an advanced midfielder. Playing as a number 10 Lopez not only contributed with energy and vision but also played a direct role in Barcelona’s attacking output. His assists for Barcelona’s first two goals were a product of his intelligent movement, timing, and decision-making in the final third. This performance further highlighted his potential as a creative force in the team’s attack.
What makes this trio’s performance so impressive is the opposition they faced. Bayern Munich’s midfield of Thomas Muller, Joshua Kimmich, and Joao Palhinha boasted decades of experience and numerous titles but Barca’s youthful midfield trio held their own as they disrupted Bayern’s passing game, won back possession, and controlled the tempo for large portions of the match.
A midfield that didn’t exist
The underdog midfield would not have been possible if Xavi had remained in charge as it is likely that these players would have had a more challenging future at the club. Gracia was sent on loan to Girona as he was overshadowed by the arrival of Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen. Similarly, Torre and Marc Casado also struggled for consistent opportunities under Xavi with Marc Casado even being disappointed as he was one of the youth talents not given a fair chance in the first team.
Flick has given Casado the opportunity to play his preferred midfield role and he has surprised everyone with many of his performances and even outshined some of the more established players. It must be noted that the 59-year-old manager has managed to make the most of the available sources and the trio stepped up at the right time.
🛑 Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Dani Omlo, Fermin Lopez and Pablo Torre has to fight for the 3rd position of midfield in our team this season.
Pedri and Casadó can’t be replaced. They are the best midfielders of our team. ✅ pic.twitter.com/GInyrruCQn
— Stephen Shelby シ︎ (@FCBPrakash) October 24, 2024
The bright future of Barcelona’s midfield
This triumph over Bayern could mark the beginning of a new era for Barcelona’s midfield. Even more exciting players like Gavi returned from injury in the dying minutes of the game and 17-year-old winger Lamine Yamal who also grabbed an assist, are poised to further strengthen Barcelona’s youthful core.
With such depth and quality in their ranks, Barcelona is not just surviving but thriving and building a midfield capable of competing with Europe’s best. The future looks bright for Flick’s side and this trio’s underdog story could be the foundation of their resurgence on the continental stage.
