In an unprecedented moment for Barcelona, the team used 17 players in a single match for the first time in La Liga history, a record that highlights a rare and challenging situation.
The match was impacted by a concussion substitution involving Alejandro Balde, a key player in Barcelona’s defence.
The incident occurred in the 25th minute of the first half when Balde collided heavily with Sandro Ramirez. After the crash, Balde was visibly in pain, struggling to get back on his feet and even finding it difficult to breathe.
The severity of the situation led to him being stretchered off the pitch in what was a concerning scene for the team and fans alike. Gerard Martin replaced him on the field as part of the concussion substitution.
Concussion changes protocol
A concussion substitution is a unique rule in football, which ensures that if a player suffers a concussion, they can be replaced without it counting towards the usual limit of substitutions allowed during a match.
#OJOALDATO – El Barcelona (por el cambio por conmoción de Balde) ha utilizado 17 jugadores en un mismo partido por PRIMERA VEZ en TODA la historia de La Liga.
— MisterChip (Alexis) (@2010MisterChip) November 30, 2024
This rule was designed to prioritise player safety, allowing for an additional change without affecting the overall number of substitutions a manager can make.
In some cases, the concussion substitute can even be a player who was already substituted out of the game, providing flexibility for the team.
Five more changes
In addition to this unexpected substitution, Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, made five other changes during the match. These included replacing key players like Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Fermin Lopez, and Pablo Torre.
Despite the disruptions, Barcelona managed to adjust to the situation with a high level of adaptability, using all of their resources to cope with the challenges presented during the game.
This historic moment serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of football and the importance of having a deep squad capable of handling unexpected situations.
The incident with Balde also underscores the increasing emphasis on player health and safety in modern football.