Barcelona manager Hansi Flick made a surprising decision during a crucial match against Mallorca, opting to rest star forward Robert Lewandowski.
This unexpected move raised eyebrows, as Lewandowski has been a pivotal figure in the team since joining the club.
The decision to leave the Polish striker on the bench for the entire match marked a significant moment, as it was the first time he was called up for a Barcelona game but did not play a single minute.
Lewandowski has always played
Lewandowski, widely regarded as one of the top forwards in Europe, has been a consistent presence in Barcelona’s line-up and is in the running for La Liga’s Pichichi award.
Prior to this match, he had been a substitute on six occasions during his time at the club but always ended up playing some part in the game.
Robert Lewandowski has never been left out entirely in his Barcelona career. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
However, against Mallorca, Flick decided to give him a complete rest, even though the team could have used his goal-scoring abilities.
The Polish international briefly warmed up during the second half but was ultimately not called onto the field as Barcelona managed to take control of the game in the latter stages.
A career-first in Barcelona colours
The decision also highlighted a unique aspect of Lewandowski’s Barcelona career. In the previous season, he has started on the bench five times, including matches against Mallorca in both legs, El Clasico and two Copa del Rey ties against Barbastro and Unionistas.
Despite being a substitute in those games, he always made an appearance on the pitch. In total, he participated in 49 matches throughout the season, starting in most of them and coming off the bench in only a handful.
In contrast, during his debut season at Barcelona, Lewandowski was left out of the starting XI just once, during a match against Cadiz. Even then, he came on with 30 minutes remaining and managed to score, underlining his importance to the team.
Flick’s decision to rest Lewandowski entirely in this match against Mallorca reflects a calculated approach, perhaps aimed at managing the forward’s workload during a demanding season.
While it was an unusual move, it ultimately did not harm Barcelona’s performance on the day.