The boss of Barcelona, Hansi Flick, says that he is “extremely proud” of his after having missed the winners of the 1-0 against Benfica during their Hold of the Champions League of 16 in the first leg despite 70 minutes with 10 men.
Raphinha scored the only goal of the match over the hours with a superb long -range strike after Pau Cubarsi received a straight red card just 20 minutes from the match for Scything Down Vangelis Pavlidis while the attacker was by the goal.
A series of impressive savings from the goalkeeper Wojciech Sczczesny, as well as the resolved defense, allowed the hosts to take a thin advantage in next week’s confrontation at Camp Nou in Spotify.
🔥🔥🔥 Full time! 🔥🔥🔥# Benficabarça @Championsleague pic.twitter.com/RAPAPI6DCJ
– FC Barcelona (@FcBarcelona) March 5, 2025
But Liga leaders will have the impression that they have put themselves in a strong position to progress towards the last eight of the competition.
“I am extremely proud of my team. They were fantastic, “said Flick.
“After playing 22 minutes with one less player, it’s a great performance. They ran a lot and gave everything. »»
The manager of Barcelona also praised Pedri and Szczesny, admitting that the 34 -year -old goalkeeper grows with confidence in each match.
Flick said: “We had a good goalkeeper today, who was fantastic for us. We defended as a unit and it is the important thing. I’m happy for him.
“It is clear that Szczesny is a different player, he is more confident in each match and we defend better. I know he could play at this level because I see him every day in training. »»
About Pedri, Flick just said he was “at a brutal and incredible level, we are happy for him”.
Despite the outside victory and the overall advance in the return match, Flick insisted that the competition was far from settled.
“The tie is not yet over,” he added. “I know we are in a good position now, but I also know that in football, anything is possible. The return match will be difficult.
Barcelona welcomed Benfica at the Camp Nou of Spotify knowing that the winners will face Borussia Dortmund or Lille in the quarterfinals.
