The main focus of attention in the match was Jules Koundé's performance, who suffered several lapses that cost Barça goals. On two occasions, Koundé was directly involved in Atlético's goals, which highlighted a lack of concentration at key moments.
In Atlético's first goal, Koundé made a passing error that allowed Rodrigo de Paul to intercept it and launch a counterattack that ended in a goal by Antoine Griezmann. In the final equalizer, Koundé slipped in an attempt to break free, leaving Samuel Lino free to assist Alexander Sorloth, who scored easily.
The Context of the Mistakes: A Collective Failure
Although the mistakes were mostly Koundé's, the entire team seemed disconnected, making the defender's errors more noticeable. Barça didn't have the same defensive solidity as in other seasons, and the transition between the defensive and offensive blocks left much to be desired.
It's important to remember that Barcelona's 2024-25 season is marked by a series of ups and downs. Not only has Koundé had occasional lapses, but there have also been recurring situations where the team seems overwhelmed by the opponent's speed and pressure. This was especially reflected in the draw at Balaídos, where Barça also dropped points due to a vulnerable defense.
Pau Cubarsí's Criticism of Koundé: Is It Fair?
After the draw against Atlético, Pau Cubarsí focused his attention on Jules Koundé, highlighting the defensive mistakes the center-back made at key moments. Cubarsí pointed out that Koundé "is failing" in important aspects of his game, such as his lack of concentration and inconsistent behavior in decisive situations. These errors, which ended up costing goals, underline his lack of depth and reliability at crucial moments.
However, these criticisms must be balanced. Koundé is an experienced player, but even the most experienced can have bad days. The pressure on him is great, and the constant demands of elite soccer can make mistakes more visible.
The draw between Barça and Atleti has made it clear that the team is still in the process of adaptation and growth. Koundé's mistakes and the criticism of Yamal highlight the tension between the team's potential and the demands of elite soccer.