Barcelona Fight Back Thrice to Earn Thrilling 3-3 Draw

Spanish giants Barcelona were forced into a dramatic comeback on Wednesday, earning a 3-3 draw at Club Brugge in the Champions League. The Belgian side took an early lead at the Jan Breydel Stadium, with Nicolo Tresoldi converting a slick pass from Brugge winger Carlos Forbs. Brugge's attacking blueprint was clear, with Forbs repeatedly exploiting Barcelona’s high defensive line.

Barca struck back quickly, with Ferran Torres finishing a clever move set up by Fermin Lopez. However, Brugge’s relentless attacking continued, and Forbs added a second for the hosts before Tzolis’s own goal brought Barcelona level once more. Teenage winger Lamine Yamal, regaining form after recent quiet performances, proved pivotal in the comeback, creating scoring opportunities and ultimately assisting in Barcelona’s equalizer.

Barcelona’s shaky defence remained a concern throughout the match. Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia each hit the woodwork, highlighting Barca’s attacking threat but defensive vulnerabilities. Coach Hansi Flick acknowledged the issues but reaffirmed the team’s commitment to their style. “We want to play (how) our DNA is... we are Barca,” Flick said, insisting that a high defensive line is central to their identity.

Yamal’s skillful combination with Lopez set up a brilliant goal, as he flicked the ball past goalkeeper Nordin Jackers into the bottom corner. Despite a near-miss when Jackers saved another effort destined for the top corner, Yamal’s performance was a highlight for Barcelona, earning praise from fans and teammates alike.

The closing stages were tense, with Brugge believing they had snatched victory when Romeo Vermant slotted in an empty net. However, the goal was disallowed after VAR ruled Vermant fouled goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. Earlier, a potential penalty for Forbs was overturned following a VAR review, denying Brugge another chance to take the lead.

Frenkie de Jong reflected on the result, saying, “It's a game I think we have to win, but we have to do things a lot better… if you let in three goals, it's difficult to win.” Eric Garcia admitted that Brugge “created a lot of danger” with minimal effort, underlining Barcelona’s defensive vulnerabilities that need urgent attention.

The draw keeps Barcelona in contention in the Champions League but highlights ongoing challenges at the back. With injuries affecting several key players, Flick’s side will need both resilience and strategic adjustments to maintain their campaign ambitions.