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Barcelona took another decisive step towards reclaiming the La Liga crown, following a controlled 2-0 win over Getafe.
The result, combined with Real Madrid CF slipping to a 1-1 draw against Real Betis, has tilted the title race firmly in Barcelona’s favour.
Yet, beyond the scoreline, this was a match that revealed deeper tactical and squad decisions from manager Hansi Flick.
From selection calls to player hierarchies, three key storylines have emerged that could shape Barcelona’s summer and beyond.
Rashford’s uncertain future becoming clearer
One of the most intriguing subplots from the match revolved around Marcus Rashford, whose cameo off the bench sparked a sudden momentum in the match.
Rashford’s continuity is unlikely. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
The Englishman was introduced at a time when the game had already tilted in Barcelona’s favour, and his impact was noticeable almost immediately.
With Getafe sitting deep and defending their box, Rashford’s direct running and ability to exploit tight spaces offered a clear contrast to the struggles faced earlier on the flank.
However, Rashford’s effectiveness came under very specific match conditions, something Flick was quick to highlight post-match.
While other players had struggled against a compact defensive block, Rashford entered the game when spaces began to open slightly and pressure had shifted.
Despite this promising display, the bigger picture surrounding his future paints a different story.
The winger has found himself increasingly sidelined in recent weeks, and Barcelona’s initial consideration of triggering his €30 million buy clause now appears to have cooled significantly.
A combination of inconsistency and failure to fully step into a leading role, especially after the departure of Raphinha, has left the club unconvinced.
Efforts to negotiate an extended loan deal with Manchester United have also gone nowhere, further suggesting that Rashford’s time at Camp Nou is nearing its end.
Cancelo ahead of Balde in pecking order
Cancelo is ahead of Alejandro Balde. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Another major takeaway from the victory was Flick’s clear position in the left-back department, where Joao Cancelo continues to be preferred over Alejandro Balde.
There had been a growing expectation that Balde might reclaim his starting spot, particularly after recovering from injury.
Cancelo himself had shown signs of discomfort in midweek, which made the decision even more surprising on the surface.
But Flick’s selection left little room for doubt. Cancelo started again, underlining his current importance in the system.
Balde’s situation, meanwhile, shows a massive dip in form that has affected several Barcelona players this season.
Since returning to fitness, he has struggled to regain rhythm and confidence, starting just once in recent matches.
Cancelo, on the other hand, has steadily grown into his role since arriving in January.
Even when operating on his weaker side, the Portuguese full-back offers tactical flexibility, stretching the pitch, cutting inside, and linking play effectively.
At this stage, Cancelo is simply the preferred option.
Casado edging closer to summer exit
Marc Casado is certain to leave Barcelona. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Perhaps the most telling decision of the night came in midfield, where Marc Casado was once again overlooked.
Despite multiple absentees and fitness concerns in the squad, Flick chose not to rely on the young midfielder.
Instead, he deployed a pairing of Gavi and Pedri deeper in midfield, with Dani Olmo operating further forward.
This decision was particularly significant given that Frenkie de Jong was not fully fit and began on the bench, while other options like Eric Garcia were also unavailable.
The message at this point is clear that Casado is not part of Flick’s core plans.
Over the course of the season, his role has diminished sharply, and this latest omission only reinforces that trajectory.
With interest already building, including a lucrative proposal from Saudi Arabia, the midfielder now appears increasingly likely to move on.
The prospect of limited minutes next season, combined with his exclusion from key tactical setups, has seemingly pushed him towards the exit door.
