Barcelona’s recent 4-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana final has highlighted the team’s shortcomings compared to their Clasico rivals, dealing another significant blow to their already fragile morale.

The dressing room atmosphere, particularly impacting younger players and academy graduates, has reached a low point, with a sense of rock bottom looming over the team this season. Concerns about the future surfaced during a team meeting before Tuesday’s training session, ahead of their Copa del Rey last-16 clash with Unionistas de Salamanca on Thursday.

Barcelona’s decline has been a gradual process over the years, with lingering trauma from failed Champions League campaigns, notably the 2017-18 quarter-final second-leg collapse against Roma. The team’s stage fright in Europe has resurfaced this season, and opponents seem keenly aware of their vulnerabilities as they approach the Champions League knockout phase.

Despite a squad filled with talent, Barcelona finds itself in fourth place, eight points adrift from the top, and is playing below its potential. While they had two impressive victories in September against Real Betis and Royal Antwerp, they have regressed from last season’s La Liga-winning form.

Barcelona’s style, characterized by controlled tempo, high pressing, attacking possession, and positional play, has eroded. They now play anxiously, leave crucial moments until the end, and exhibit a reluctance to take risks in attack. The team seems to have forgotten fundamental concepts that once defined the club’s DNA.

The recent Clasico in Riyadh highlighted these issues, with Xavi’s side appearing disorganized and disconnected. A noteworthy incident during the match saw Fermin Lopez, entering as a substitute with Barcelona trailing 3-1, demonstrating a rare burst of intensity. However, when confronted by four Real Madrid players after a fierce tackle, none of his teammates came to his aid, underscoring the team’s current lack of unity and spirit.