Barcelona’s manager Hansi Flick expressed his pride in the team’s resilience following a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory against Celta Vigo in La Liga. The game played out at what is now known as the Estadi Municipal de Balaídos. Barcelona trailed 3-1, Borja Iglesias scoring a second-half hat-trick for the Copa del Rey hosts. Flick remained adamant that nothing can top these comebacks. He expressed admiration for the resolve and fight of his players when put in bad situations.
At the interval, Barcelona was down by two goals. Germany head coach Hansi Flick even encouraged his winger Raphinha to avoid being defeatist. This pep talk must have done the trick as Raphinha was key in the fight back that ensured all three points were coming home. Flick reflected on the match, stating, “The team did everything, we didn’t give up. That’s the mentality we have right now. It’s great.”
A Rollercoaster Match
The match started with Celta Vigo storming into an early goal advantage, enjoying the lion’s share of possession and having numerous chances to find a goal. Iglesias’ highly unusual performance was a concern for Barcelona fans as the team continued to search for their groove. Flick admitted that even though it’s something his team typically does well in pressing, their errors gifted Celta the opportunity to pounce with ease.
We’re the team that tends to high press very well, today we jumped out of our shape. We did them a huge favor, to be honest with you,” he said after the game. In the second half, Barcelona came to their senses. For much of the second half, they showed that same urgency, the urgency that changed this match’s momentum and fate. Ferran Torres’ handball equalizer, along with Raphinha’s converted penalty in 98’ gave the home team, FC Barcelona, a much-needed victory to maintain their title run.
Flick’s joy could be seen everywhere, as he celebrated with Raphinha in front of the home crowd after the full-time whistle. In a statement delivered after the team’s victory, he congratulated the team on their impressive spirit, including their never-give-up attitude. “Everyone can see that the team didn’t give up. They did their best for 90 minutes and they got the three points,” he stated.
Injury Woes for Barcelona
Despite the celebratory mood accompanying the win, there are worries about the health of their golden-goose star forward Robert Lewandowski. The Polish international limped off late in the match with an apparent injury after clutching his leg as he was substituted. Flick later confirmed that Lewandowski would get an MRI the next day to evaluate the injury.
“Lewandowski will have an MRI tomorrow. We have to wait for the results. We’ll know more about his injury,” Flick revealed during his post-match comments. Lewandowski’s suspected hamstring tension puts his status in question for Barca’s upcoming Copa del Rey final against Rival Madrid and possibly beyond. It introduces doubt ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg against Inter Milan later this month.
Flick’s worry was evident as he acknowledged the impact of Lewandowski’s absence on the team’s future matches. “We will be sweating over Lewandowski’s fitness,” he remarked, underscoring the significance of the striker to Barcelona’s attacking prowess.
Looking Ahead
As Barcelona looks towards their upcoming fixtures, including a critical match against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, Hansi Flick remains optimistic about his team’s character and resilience. He pointed out that even when they face incredible competition such as Celta Vigo, Barcelona excels under pressure.
“When we win, we like these kinds of games,” he said, recognizing Celta Vigo’s strong performance throughout the season. As they brace for what lies ahead, Barcelona aims to build on this momentum while hoping for positive news regarding Lewandowski’s injury status.
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