Barcelona leader Hansi Flick says he is “extremely proud”, having ran 1-0 winners over Benfica in the Champions League 16 first feet, despite playing 70 minutes with 10 men.
Raphinha scored the only goal of the game in the sign of time with a stunning long strike, as Pau Cubarsi had given a straight red card just 20 minutes to the race for Scything Down Vangelis Pavlidis, as the striker was through the target.
A series of impressive savings by goalkeeper Wojciech Sczczesny, as well as some decisive defense, ensured that the hosts would receive a thin advantage in next week’s conflict at Spotify Camp Nou.
🔥🔥🔥 Full time! 🔥🔥🔥#Benficabarça @CchampionslagueGue pic.twitter.com/rapapi6dcj
– FC Barcelona (@fcbarcelona) March 5 2025
But La Liga’s leaders will feel as if they are in a strong position to move on to the last eight of the competition.
“I’m extremely proud of my team. They were fantastic, “Flick said.
“After 22 minutes with a lesser player, it’s an excellent performance. They ran a lot and gave it all.”
The director of Barcelona also stood out for both Pedri and Szczesny, admitting that the 34 -year -old holder is growing with confidence in every game.
Flick said: “We had a good goalkeeper today, who was fantastic for us. We supported as a unit and that’s the important thing. I’m happy for him.”
“It is clear that Szczesny is a different player. He is more confident in every game and we are better defending. I know he could play at this level because I see him every day in education.”
Regarding Pedri, Flick simply said he was “at a brutal, incredible level, we are happy about him.”
Despite the long victory and the overall lead on the second leg, however, Flick insisted that the competition was far from settlement.
“The tie is not over yet,” he added. “I know we’re in a good position now, but I also know that in football something is possible. The return match will be difficult.”
Barcelona welcomes Benfica to Spotify Camp Nou on Tuesday knowing that the winners will face either Borussia Dortmund or Lille in the square.
