Barcelona delivered one of their most thrilling performances of the season under Hansi Flick as they defeated Real Betis 5–3 in a high-octane La Liga clash that had everything.
From breathtaking attacking football to late defensive pressure, it was a night that summed up both the promise and the growing maturity of Flick’s Barcelona.
The victory ensured that Barça would remain at the top of the table regardless of Real Madrid’s result.
After full-time, Flick faced the media in a relaxed but focused mood. While pleased with the win, the German coach showed his usual attention to detail, highlighting both the positives and the areas that still need work.
Reflecting on the overall performance and the physical drop in the later stages, he said,
“I think the first half was very good, but we were tired in the second half. Defensively, we weren’t able to control the final minutes of the game.
“But I want to be positive in my assessment, although we will analyse it. The important thing is that we won.”
Players’ reaction
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona player
Lamine Yamal was fantastic against Real Betis. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Barcelona’s explosive start proved decisive, and Flick stressed the importance of scoring early against a side of Betis’ quality.
Speaking about the quick reaction from his players after moments of pressure, he added,
“It’s always very important to score two goals quickly. It’s not always easy to win against a fantastic team like Betis. What I saw in the first half was very positive.”
One of the standout performers on the night was once again Lamine Yamal, who continues to grow in influence despite his young age.
Flick was full of praise for the teenager’s tactical understanding, effort without the ball and natural intelligence on the pitch.
Assessing Yamal’s display in detail, the manager said, “I saw Lamine Yamal play very well.
“He worked defensively alongside his teammates and was excellent. We didn’t train him.
“Lamine is intelligent and knows how to read space very well. He did fantastically.”
Reaction after Chelsea defeat
The victory also carried emotional weight after Barcelona’s recent setback against Chelsea. Flick was asked whether that defeat played a role in shaping this response.
The coach pointed towards what he sees daily at training rather than focusing on single results, explaining his long-term faith in the squad.
“I always focus on what I see in training. I had confidence in the team, that’s why I said that after losing to Chelsea.
“In training, I’ve seen quality and intensity. I believe in this team and in what I see.
“We have to take it one step at a time and continue on this path. We have an important match on Tuesday, and we have to keep going.”
On Ferran and Roony
Another key figure on the night was Ferran Torres, who produced a clinical hat-trick to dismantle the Betis defence.
Ferran Torres scored a hat-trick. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Flick highlighted the mental side of a striker’s game when assessing the forward’s performance.
“Confidence is essential for a goalscorer. Ferran has it and is always where he needs to be.”
Flick also revealed an inside look at how certain tactical decisions were made, particularly involving Lamine Yamal’s positional freedom and his link-up with Roony Bardghji.
Explaining the reasoning and the teenager’s adaptability, Flick said,
“I spoke with Lamine, and we asked him if he wanted to play as a number 10, and he said yes, and I’m very happy about that.
“It gives us more options to choose from, and that’s good. Everything I’ve seen from him I’ve liked. He’s linked up well.
“He’s tracked back, he’s worked hard defensively. He’s growing and improving. He’s a fantastic player,” he concluded.
With momentum now firmly on their side, Barcelona head into their next challenge full of belief, confidence and growing tactical clarity under Flick.
Source: AS