Barcelona’s Champions League elimination has triggered a moment of harsh reflection within the club, with the sporting department already shifting focus towards what comes next.
In that context, a report from AS confirms that the club’s sporting committee has begun evaluating the squad with ruthless clarity, knowing that improvements are essential if the team is to compete at the highest European level again.
The quarter-final defeat against Atletico Madrid did not just end Barcelona’s European hopes, it exposed key weaknesses in the squad.
According to the outlet, among those under the spotlight are Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski, two attackers whose performances have raised serious doubts behind the scenes.
Rashford’s situation
Rashford’s situation is particularly complex, as the English forward has shown flashes of brilliance since arriving.
However, the decisive moments have repeatedly let him down.
In the first leg, where he was handed a starting role, Rashford found himself in several promising positions but failed to convert, missing three clear opportunities that could have changed the tie entirely.
In the return leg at the Metropolitano, his reduced role did little to improve his case.
Coming off the bench, Rashford struggled to influence the game, offering minimal impact at a time when Barcelona desperately needed attacking inspiration.
Internally, there is a growing feeling that he has not passed the test in decisive matches.
With Manchester United unwilling to compromise on a €30 million buy-back clause, Barcelona now face a difficult decision regarding his long-term future.
What about Lewandowski?
Lewandowski could leave Barcelona. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Lewandowski’s situation appears even more concerning.
Once the focal point of Barcelona’s attack, the veteran striker is now facing increasing scrutiny over his ability to deliver in high-intensity fixtures.
Against Atletico, his performance was widely viewed as ineffective, having failed to register a single clear-cut chance.
Furthermore, he did not test the goalkeeper meaningfully and struggled to link play with the rest of the team.
For a player of his calibre and experience, such a display has not gone unnoticed.
At 37, questions about his physical level and suitability for elite competition are becoming harder to ignore.
Given his well-known self-critical nature, there is also uncertainty over whether he would be willing to accept a reduced role and a lower salary moving forward.
As a result, one of the key conclusions emerging from the club’s internal review is that the club must sign a top-level centre-forward this summer.
If that happens, it could end the Barcelona career of one of the two aforementioned names.
