According to reports, the impressive 4-0 result in the first leg and Barcelona’s packed schedule in pursuit of a treble led Hans-Dieter Flick to rest several key players against Borussia Dortmund. Inigo Martinez’s rest to avoid a yellow card and suspension for the first leg of the semifinals was expected, but Pedri’s absence was surprising.

Pedri is irreplaceable for Flick. He had started 17 consecutive matches, with his last absence dating back to January 26 due to a gastrointestinal illness. Barcelona won 7-1 against Valencia that day without him, and his absence wasn’t felt. But in Dortmund, Pedri’s absence was glaring.

He is responsible for maintaining balance and control in Barcelona’s game, and Flick’s team had no control in the first half. Frenkie de Jong and Gavi tried but were overwhelmed by Dortmund’s intense pressing and Nico Kovac’s aggressive tactics, which relied on two attacking full-backs to stage a comeback.

It seemed Flick would make a change at halftime, but with only a one-goal deficit, he held back. When Dortmund scored their second goal, Flick instructed Pedri to warm up. Before his introduction, Barcelona reduced the deficit with an own goal from the Germans. Flick stuck to his decision, and Pedri replaced Gavi in the final 30 minutes.

With Pedri’s introduction and thanks to the goal, Barcelona regained control momentarily. His presence was crucial in calming Dortmund’s momentum, increasing possession, and creating dangerous chances. However, after Griezmann’s third goal, which completed his hat-trick and briefly revived Dortmund’s hopes, Barcelona lost control again.

Pedri’s rest and absence showed he has been Barcelona’s compass this season. His 30-minute cameo was enough to temporarily stabilize the game. This rest was necessary for the challenges ahead. If all goes well, Pedri will return to the starting lineup as Barcelona fights for the treble.