Barcelona chief Hansi Flick says he is “immensely proud” of his own after running 1-0 winners over Benfica in their first champions League leg, despite playing 70 minutes with 10 men.
Raphinha scored the only hit of the clock game, a stunning long -range shot after Pau Cubarsi got a straight red card for just 20 minutes in a Scrything Down Vangelis Pavlidis match while Strker went on to the goal.
A series of impressive goalkeepers of Wojciech Scrzczesny’s goalkeeper, as well as some decisive defenses, ensured that the hosts take a slim advantage in a conflict next week at Spotify Camp Nou.
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– FC Barcelona (@fcbarcelona) March 5, 2025
But La Liga leaders will feel like they have been put in a strong position to progress until the last eight competitions.
“I am immensely proud of my team. They were fantastic, “Flick said.
“After playing 22 minutes with one fewer players, it’s a great performance. They ran a lot and did their best.”
Barcelona manager also highlighted praise for Pedri and Szczesny, acknowledging that the 34-year-old keeper is growing in confidence in every game.
Flick said: “Today we had a good goalkeeper, who was fantastic for us. We defended ourselves as a unit and that’s an important thing. I’m happy about him. “
“It is clear that Szczesny is a different player, he is more confident in every game and defending himself better. I know he could play at this level because I see him every day in training.”
O Pedri, Flick simply said he was “on a brutal, amazing level, we’re happy about him.”
Despite the fact that the away victory and the aggregate lead came into the other leg, Flick insisted that the competition would be far from the reconciliation.
“The connection is not over yet,” he added. “I know we’re in a good position now, but I also know everything is possible in football. The return match will be difficult.”
Barcelona is a welcome Benfica at Spotify Camp Nou on Tuesday, knowing that the winners will face Borussia Dortmund or Lille in the quarterfinals.
