Barcelona's emphatic 4-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal on April 9, 2025, showcased their dominance on the European stage. Yet, beyond the scoreline and Robert Lewandowski's brilliance against his former club, the tactical decision to start Fermín López over Gavi in midfield sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits.
Match Recap: A Commanding Display
Barcelona controlled the match from start to finish at Camp Nou. Raphinha opened the scoring in the 25th minute, followed by a second-half brace from Lewandowski and a composed finish by Lamine Yamal to cap off the rout. The Catalan side's attacking trio—Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Yamal—proved unstoppable, with Raphinha also providing a crucial assist. Dortmund struggled to contain Barcelona's relentless pressure and creative midfield play, leaving them with a mountain to climb in the second leg next week.
The Tactical Talking Point: Fermín López vs. Gavi
The most discussed aspect of Barcelona's lineup was manager Hansi Flick’s decision to start Fermín López ahead of Gavi in the attacking midfield role. Flick explained that López’s dynamic and attacking style was better suited to support Barcelona’s high-intensity forward line against Dortmund. López made his presence felt with an assist for Lewandowski’s second goal and nearly added a goal himself, hitting the post during a dominant spell in the second half.
However, opinions remain divided. Supporters of López praised his energy, vision, and ability to create chances under pressure. Critics, on the other hand, argued that he lacked Gavi’s composure and technical finesse—qualities that could have provided more control in midfield. Gavi’s advocates believe his disciplined playstyle is essential for balancing Barcelona’s aggressive tactics.
Fan Reactions and Broader Implications
The debate over López versus Gavi reflects deeper questions about Barcelona’s team selection strategy. Some fans argue that López’s inclusion signals Flick’s preference for high-octane football, prioritizing creativity over control. Others worry that sidelining Gavi could hinder his development as one of Spain’s brightest young talents.
Flick has defended his decision, emphasizing that squad rotation is crucial during a congested schedule as Barcelona chase multiple trophies this season. The coach also hinted that both players would have significant roles to play in upcoming matches.
Looking Ahead
Barcelona’s comprehensive victory has put them within touching distance of their first Champions League semifinal since 2019. However, Flick remains cautious, warning his team against complacency ahead of next week’s second leg at Signal Iduna Park. Meanwhile, fans will closely watch whether Gavi reclaims his starting spot or if López continues to feature prominently as Barcelona navigate this critical phase of their season.
The tactical choice between Fermín López and Gavi may seem minor in light of Barcelona's dominant performance, but it underscores the challenges of managing a star-studded squad with competing priorities. For now, Barça fans can celebrate a commanding win while eagerly anticipating how this midfield rivalry unfolds in the weeks ahead.