Barça began 2025 in steamroller mode with a run of 24 games unbeaten, 20 wins and 4 draws. The team was characterized by its overwhelming offensive power and Szczesny, who was a veritable wall. Now, with the Copa del Rey title under their belt, they remain immersed in the fight for the treble, but their performance seems to have dipped in recent weeks.
The incredible 24-game streak came to an end against Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. Four months after their last slip-up, the momentum is gone. Signal Iduna Park can now boast of having put an end to Barça’s streak.
In that Champions League match, the defensive wall also seemed to have been broken. In recent weeks, there have been quite a few games in which Barça have conceded several goals and have been forced to turn the situation around, demonstrating a great ability to react.
In five of their last six games, they have been behind on the scoreboard. Just last night in Pucela, they had to fight back. The Blanquivioletas took the lead in the first half, and Hansi Flick’s men had to react in the second half, where goals from Raphinha and Fermín earned them three crucial points in the fight for the league title.
The other times the Culés had to swim against the tide began precisely in the Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund, where they were unable to turn the score around as they did on other occasions.
Against Celta in Montjuic, they were 1-3 down in the 62nd minute, but the Azulgranas managed to turn the result around to take all three points in the 97th minute. In the Cup final, Real Madrid also took a 1-2 lead, but Jules Koundé’s goal made it 3-2 and gave the Azulgranas the title.
Before Pucela, there was also a comeback in the Champions League on Wednesday. Inter Milan took a 0-2 lead at Montjuic. Barça managed to equalize, but the Italians took a 3-2 lead before the Barcelona side managed to level the score in the final minutes.
Against Real Valladolid, they also had to fight back, but the Azulgranas seem to have gotten used to having to come from behind and, so far, except against Borussia in the Champions League, they have come out on top in every game in which they have trailed on the scoreboard.