Barcelona manager Hansi Flick lauded his team’s resilience after their remarkable 5-4 victory over Benfica on Tuesday, a result that secured their progression to the Champions League last 16.
Trailing 3-1 at halftime and 4-2 with less than 15 minutes to play, Barcelona mounted an unforgettable comeback with goals from Robert Lewandowski, Eric Garcia, and Raphinha sealing the win.
“It was a very crazy game,” Flick told Movistar. “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.”
Despite a shaky first half where Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis capitalized on defensive errors for a hat-trick, Flick credited his team’s second-half improvements and impactful substitutions.
The decision to start Wojciech Szczesny in goal proved contentious after two of his mistakes contributed to Benfica’s lead. However, Flick defended the veteran goalkeeper, emphasizing a team-first approach.
“Which player does not make mistakes? It’s normal,” Flick said. “Szczesny had some mistakes, but all the players did in the first half. We win together, we lose together. In the second half, he saved a clear chance for Benfica.”
Flick’s focus now shifts to Barcelona’s upcoming LaLiga match against Valencia, with the team sitting third, seven points behind leaders Real Madrid, before hosting Atalanta in their next Champions League fixture.
“This victory is behind us now. We need to prepare for Valencia,” Flick concluded.
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