Flick’s late confrontation with Gordon explained after Barcelona edge Atletico Madrid

Barcelona will take a three-point lead at the top of LaLiga into the November international break after beating third-place Atletico Madrid 2-1.

Hansi Flick’s team have won 11 of their 12 league matches this season, with their only defeat coming against Real Madrid in El Clasico.

They secured their latest victory in difficult circumstances in Madrid, with Fermin Lopez scoring either side of half-time to give Barcelona all three points.

However, the closing stages saw a tense exchange between Flick and Anthony Gordon after the Barcelona manager substituted the forward.

With Atletico Madrid pushing for a late equaliser, Flick replaced Gordon with Karim Adeyemi in the 86th minute in an attempt to add fresh energy to his attack.

Gordon appeared surprised by Flick’s reaction as he made his way off the pitch. The manager’s frustration was linked to a new LaLiga regulation introduced for the 2026/27 season.

Under the rule, which is similar to updated regulations in the Premier League, a player being substituted must leave the field within 10 seconds of the substitution board being raised.

If the player does not do so, the team making the change is temporarily reduced to 10 men. The replacement must then wait for one minute off the pitch before being allowed to enter.

Gordon’s slow departure angered Flick because the delay could have left Barcelona at risk of losing their lead in Madrid.