Jules Koundé should have been waiting for the 66th minute of play to participate in the victory of FC Barcelona over the Rayo Vallecano, Monday evening in Liga. The French international, however indisputable holder on the right of the Barcelona defense, was punished before the meeting by his coach Hansi Flick. Reason? A delay in the pre-match briefing, according to information from the COPE.
This is not the first time that Koundé has been in this situation, since he had, according to the Spanish media, suffered the same sanction during the match against Deportivo Alavès last October. This Monday, Flick simply explained his choice before the meeting with an “internal decision”. The German coach of Barça, renowned for his intransigence, is particularly on horseback respect for schedules.
In the eleven holder, Koundé was replaced by the very young Hector Fort, 18. In a generally moderately mastered match, Barça nevertheless imposed itself against the 6th in Liga thanks to a penalty by Robert Lewandowski in the first period. He then managed throughout the game and also took advantage of a refused goal for an offside position far from being obvious.
Thanks to this victory, Barça takes over the Spanish championship unlike goals in front of Real Madrid. The two teams have 51 points with 24 days, one more on Atletico Madrid, far from being dropped in the title race. More than ever, this end of the season in La Liga promises to be undecided.