What a campaign it has been for Barcelona in the Champions League. Even in the moments when things have gone wrong, they’ve found a response and a way to get the result.
For that, much of the credit must go to the manager, because the team looks unrecognizable in their poise and preparation.
The round of 16 was a test for Hansi Flick. Benfica is a team that historically matches up very well against Barcelona, and knows how to give them fits.
FC Barcelona v SL Benfica - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
In the first leg, they put Barca against the ropes when Pau Cubarsí was ejected for a red card tackle that prevented a goal scoring opportunity. But the Barcelona players remained calm, managed the game, and found a way to earn a very impressive, and crucial, 1-0 victory away from home.
As we sit here today, we should recognize that Barcelona could very well be eliminated from the Champions League if they weren’t so ready to face that challenge.
Then over the weekend, a true tragedy struck the club with the shocking passing of their team doctor, who all the players knew well, because he was the man that cared for them when they were physically down and out.
But on Tuesday, professionalism won the day, in spite of the somber circumstances.
FC Barcelona v SL Benfica - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images
The Barca players out worked Benfica. From the first minute till the last, they took nothing for granted. They were a unified pack who fought for every ball, and attacked in numbers. It’s that sense of togetherness that perhaps best explains how they continue to be so successful in a season when much less was expected of them.
Hansi Flick is a different type of Barcelona manager.
In part because of his tactics, but more than that, because of the way he carries himself. He commands respect for the team, the club, and the game itself. He speaks softly, but means everything he says, and the players have fully embraced his program.
FC Barcelona v SL Benfica - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images
It would be easy to heap praise on Lamine Yamal. Once again, he was an absolute creative genius. But he’s not the only player who has brought their game to another level under Flick.
Raphinha has revolutionized his career, and lookd like a Ballon d’Or contender. Pedri is back to looking like the midfield wonder of the world.
But it’s Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde who I’m really starting to notice as perhaps the unsung heroes of the season. For all of the talk of Barcelona needing to reinforce at fullback, in reality, they are two of the best in Europe at the moment.
FC Barcelona v Benfica - UEFA Champions League Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images
Flick has managed Balde with so much intelligence, especially considering that he’s coming off of a serious injury. Now, we starting to see a player who has been truly unlocked. So much of Barcelona’s offense is running through him on the left side. Instead of worrying about what he can’t do, we’re now seeing Balde leverage more consistently his unique ability to run past defenders on the dribble.
This Barcelona team is much more than the sum of their parts.
And now, you have to say, they are the favorites to get to the Champions League final on their side of the bracket.
FC Barcelona v Benfica - UEFA Champions League Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images
That brings with it a renewed sense of pressure.
But with Hansi Flick in charge, you can bet that these Barcelona players will welcome it.
To be the best, you have to see yourself as the best, and at the moment, this Barcelona team is radiating a self-confidence that’s taking them to new heights.
What we’re seeing is about more than trophies. It’s about Barcelona creating, once again, the best brand of football in the world.