As the defending champions of La Liga, Barcelona entered the 2025–26 season with high expectations to build on their 28th league title from the previous campaign. However, their title defense has encountered notable challenges early on, casting doubts on their ability to maintain dominance in Spain’s top flight. Despite a promising start, recent results have exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in their defensive setup, which have raised concerns among fans and analysts alike[1].
A significant blow to Barcelona’s campaign came with a heavy 4-1 defeat away at Sevilla, a result that ended their unbeaten run in the league. This loss followed a demoralizing Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, compounding the pressure on head coach Hansi Flick. The manner of the defeat, described by some critics as a “suicidal” defensive performance, has intensified scrutiny on the team’s tactical approach and defensive organization[2][3].
Barcelona’s defensive frailties have been a recurring theme in their recent matches, undermining their title defense ambitions. The team’s inability to contain Sevilla’s attacking threats highlighted gaps in their backline coordination and decision-making under pressure. This has forced the coaching staff to urgently rethink their defensive strategies to prevent further damage in the tightly contested La Liga race[2][4].
Despite these setbacks, Barcelona remains a strong contender given their squad depth and attacking talent. The club’s focus now is on addressing the defensive lapses while maintaining their offensive potency. Flick’s challenge is to stabilize the team’s performances and regain momentum before the league progresses further, as rivals like Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid continue to push aggressively for the title[1].
In summary, Barcelona’s title defense in La Liga is currently facing significant hurdles, primarily due to defensive issues that have led to unexpected defeats. While the team has the quality to recover, the early signs suggest that their path to retaining the championship will be far from straightforward. How effectively they adapt and respond to these challenges will be crucial in determining their success this season.