Barcelona’s season so far has been quite mixed, with the team particularly struggling in defence following the exit of Inigo Martinez.
But from a fair play perspective, Barcelona have been relatively stable, with the club sitting among the teams with the fewest cards this season.
However, a closer look at the statistics would reveal a worrying sign for Hansi Flick’s men.
Yellow card alert for Barcelona
As reported by MARCA, Barcelona have experienced a significant increase in disciplinary sanctions over its last eight matches, which falls in a sharp contrast to the team’s disciplined start to the 2025-26 campaign.
Hansi Flick’s team received 10 yellow cards in its first eight official matches. In the subsequent eight games across La Liga and the Champions League, the team accumulated 25 cards.
The recent stretch represents a 150% increase in bookings compared to the opening block of the season.
Barcelona midfielder Pedri
Yellow cards are becoming more commonplace for Barcelona in recent matches. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The rise in infractions has resulted in suspensions for key personnel. Midfielders Pedri and Frenkie de Jong have both served one-match bans following expulsions.
The disciplinary issues extend to the coaching staff. Flick received a red card during the match against Girona after being issued two yellow cards for dissent.
The German coach served a one-match suspension during the game at the Santiago Bernabeu after the club’s appeal was rejected.
The trend has put players at risk of suspension in European competition. Frenkie de Jong and Marc Casado have each accumulated two yellow cards in the Champions League. Both players are now one booking away from a one-match ban.
Flick, therefore, must take a closer look at the data and fix Barcelona’s recent disciplinary woes, ahead of a tough nine-game marathon until Christmas.