Barcelona delivered a resounding 7-1 victory over Valencia in their La Liga clash, solidifying their pursuit of league leaders Real Madrid. This dominant win brought them closer to the title race, narrowing the gap to seven points behind the top-placed team.
However, the match’s aftermath drew significant attention due to controversial remarks made by Barcelona legend Carles Puyol.
Following the emphatic win, Puyol openly criticized Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, claiming his performances were detrimental to Barcelona’s title ambitions. In a blunt statement, Puyol said, “Based on what I saw from Barcelona against Valencia, I can confirm this catastrophic player cost us the La Liga title that was within reach.” The former captain expressed frustration over coach Hansi Flick’s decision to consistently field Lewandowski in earlier matches, arguing that the striker squandered key opportunities, causing Barcelona to drop crucial points.
Puyol further emphasized the team’s improved performance in Lewandowski’s absence during the Valencia game. He highlighted Barcelona’s enhanced offensive dynamics and relentless pressure on the opposition, which had been missing in previous matches.
According to Puyol, this showcased a clear contrast and pointed to Flick’s “serious mistake” in relying on a player who, in his view, compromised the team’s potential this season.
The remarks have sparked debate about Lewandowski’s future in Barcelona’s starting lineup. With Puyol’s insistence that the team performs better without him, the striker’s role remains uncertain as the club continues its determined push for the league title.
The controversy adds an intriguing layer to Barcelona’s campaign, as they seek to close the gap on Real Madrid while addressing internal concerns about squad decisions.
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