Who do you sub? Honestly, I would have started Cancelo on the LW. I figured that between two "LBs," at least one of them would figure out what they need to do.
Lamine, FdJ, Fermin, Olmo, and whoever else. We shouldn't care about the CdR. Just throw the tie in the trash. I am not looking to win it ... I am looking to save players.
I'm of the view that Barça will win this tie if they leave the Metropolitano with a 1 goal deficit or better. I think I'd agree with you if its a 3 goal deficit by minute 60. Still too early, IMO.
Historically, I just don't care about this competition. I associate it with the years we kept winning it while Madrid were winning CLs. So it symbolizes a bitter title for me.
I think Simeone speaking so candidly about Flick's high line before the game shows that Atleti were ready for what Barça do. Add in a backpass error, and Balde going walkabout, and here we are.
We're going to get some weird abstract image of the back of Lewy's boot looking like an eagle's talon
Everybody knows how Flick's Barça plays. Atleti must be more motivated for CdR as their most feasible chance for a trophy. They're 3rd in the league, 13 points back.
VAR to ref: "Psst! There's a chance you can red card Eric! Come over to screen and pretend you changed your mind..."
They specifically targeted Barça's left side, knowing that Balde can't defend, and Raphinha wasn't available to track back. It was a mistake (in the margins) to not start Cancelo as LW, because he (theoretically) knows how to defend. Balde + Olmo together on the left was suicide. Yeah, Lookman got a goal, but the danger came from the left.
Oh well, if it was onside we might have been tempted to play a full team in the return leg and go for a 3-0 win. Now Flick can just throw out a B team and rest for PSG in CL because this thing is over.