Flick explains why Rodri was substituted against Aston Villa

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has explained why he substituted Rodri at halftime in the Champions League league-phase match against Aston Villa in the 2026/2027 season. Barcelona won 3-0.

Flick said Rodri had reported discomfort in a muscle. His condition is expected to be assessed on Friday. Barcelona academy graduate Marc Bernal came on for the Spanish midfielder in the second half.

“Rodri said he had discomfort in a muscle, so we have to wait until tomorrow. We have four days to recover and prepare well for the next match,” Marca quoted Flick as saying. Barcelona’s next opponent will be Atletico Madrid.

The match was played on November 3. Yamal opened the scoring in the seventh minute, while Raphinha scored in the 52nd and 64th minutes. Rodri has made 14 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist.

In the next round of the Champions League, Barcelona will visit Azerbaijani side Sabah on November 25. Aston Villa will face Galatasaray in Türkiye a day earlier.