Barcelona end 18-match Champions League run without a clean sheet as Rodri status remains unclear

Barcelona manager Hans Flick praised his side’s defensive performance after a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa in the Champions League on Tuesday, while admitting there is uncertainty over Rodri’s availability for Sunday’s La Liga meeting with Atletico Madrid.

The win at Camp Nou came in the fourth round of the league phase and gave Barcelona their first clean sheet in the competition since April 2025, when they defeated Borussia Dortmund 4-0.

Barcelona had conceded in each of their previous 18 Champions League matches, a record unwanted run for the club. Flick was pleased that his team ended that sequence with a controlled performance against the English side.

“Yes, the win was important,” Flick told Movistar in comments reported by Spanish newspaper AS. “We faced a great team that defended well. We are happy with our defensive performance because everyone gave everything to finish the match with a clean sheet.”

The German manager said the shutout reflected a collective effort rather than the work of one particular player.

“We have to continue working,” he added. “Everyone put in an amazing performance. We were very compact and defended very well. It was great.”

Rodri fitness concern

Rodri was withdrawn during the match after experiencing muscular discomfort. Flick did not provide a definite timescale for the Spain midfielder’s recovery.

“He felt some muscular discomfort, and we have to wait until tomorrow to know more,” said Flick.

The comment leaves Rodri’s involvement in doubt for Barcelona’s next La Liga fixture against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, 08 November 2026.

Flick said his squad had four days to recover and prepare for the match, which follows the demanding Champions League contest.

“We have 4 days to recover and get ready for the game,” he said.

Barcelona’s victory over Aston Villa therefore delivered both a significant defensive milestone and a potential selection problem ahead of the Atletico Madrid fixture. While the team finally kept a clean sheet in Europe after conceding in 18 consecutive matches, Flick must wait for further medical information before assessing Rodri’s condition.