UEFA Champions League: Barcelona manager Hansi Flick praised his team’s resilience and fighting spirit after their thrilling 5-4 victory over Benfica, a result that secured their spot in the Champions League round of 16.
The Catalans trailed 3-1 at halftime and 4-2 late in the game before a remarkable turnaround, capped by goals from Robert Lewandowski, Eric Garcia, and Raphinha. Speaking to Movistar after the game, Flick lauded his side’s determination:
“It was a very crazy game. The most positive thing was the mentality we had. We came back and that’s wonderful. That’s football and that’s why we love it.”
First-Half Struggles In The UEFA Champions League
Flick acknowledged Barcelona’s defensive lapses in the first half, which allowed Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis to complete a hat-trick. Errors, including two from goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, put the team under immense pressure.
Despite Szczesny’s shaky start, Flick defended his decision to start the 34-year-old, emphasizing collective responsibility:
“Which player does not make mistakes? It is normal. Szczesny had some mistakes, but all the players made mistakes in the first half. We win together, we lose together.”
Second-Half Transformation In The UEFA Champions League
Barcelona’s substitutions and tactical adjustments proved pivotal after the break, with Flick highlighting their impact:
“In the second half, we were better, and the substitutions helped us a lot. Szczesny also saved a clear chance for Benfica, which was crucial.”
Building Momentum
The win in the UEFA Champions League provides a morale boost following Barcelona’s underwhelming 1-1 LaLiga draw with Getafe. Flick stressed the importance of maintaining focus as they prepare for upcoming fixtures against Valencia in La Liga and Atalanta in the Champions League.
The victories give us time to keep believing in this project and send the message to the young players that we can and want to improve.
Barcelona currently sit third in La Liga, seven points behind leaders Real Madrid, and aim to build on this comeback to strengthen their domestic and European campaigns.
