Barcelona boss Hansi Flick says he’s “immensely proud” of his after they ran out 1-0 winners over Benfica of their Champions League Spherical of 16 first leg regardless of taking part in 70 minutes with 10 males.
Raphinha scored the one objective of the sport on the hour mark with a surprising long-range strike after Pau Cubarsi had been given a straight crimson card simply 20 minutes into the match for scything down Vangelis Pavlidis because the striker was by on objective.
A string of spectacular saves from goalkeeper Wojciech Sczczesny, in addition to some resolute defending, ensured the hosts take a slender benefit into subsequent week’s conflict on the Spotify Camp Nou.
FULL TIME! #BenficaBarça @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/raPAPi6dCJ
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 5, 2025
However the La Liga leaders will really feel as if they’ve put themselves in a robust place to progress to the final eight of the competitors.
“I’m immensely happy with my crew. They’ve been unbelievable,” Flick stated.
“After taking part in 22 minutes with one much less participant, it’s a terrific efficiency. They ran rather a lot and gave it their all.”
The Barcelona supervisor additionally singled out reward for each Pedri and Szczesny, admitting the 34-year-old keeper is rising in confidence with each sport.
Flick stated: “We had a superb goalkeeper as we speak, who was unbelievable for us. We defended as a unit and that’s the necessary factor. I’m completely happy for him.”
“It’s clear that Szczesny is a distinct participant , he’s extra assured in each sport and we’re defending higher. I do know he may play at this stage as a result of I see him each day in coaching.”
About Pedri, Flick merely stated he was “at a brutal, unbelievable stage, we’re completely happy for him.”
Regardless of the away victory and combination lead going into the second leg, nevertheless, Flick insisted the competition was removed from settled.
“The tie isn’t over but,” he added. “I do know we’re in a superb place now, however I additionally know that in soccer something is feasible. The return match shall be tough.”
Barcelona welcome Benfica to the Spotify Camp Nou on Tuesday realizing that the winners will face both Borussia Dortmund or Lille within the quarter-final.
The post Flick ‘immensely proud’ of 10-man Barcelona after Benfica victory first appeared on Foot & Soccer.
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Author : footsoccer
Publish date : 2025-03-06 00:44:12
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