The confrontation with Bayern Munich was much more than a match for Barcelona. It was a real test to gauge the real potential of this Hansi Flick team that until now was amazing even though it had not faced a top European team. Bayern was. The Germans are, without a doubt, one of the candidates to win the continental trophy. And it was also a test because the Blaugranas wanted to remove many thorns that Bayern had left stuck in over the last few years.
The test result was unbeatable. Barcelona achieved an unappealable victory which clearly confirms that this team is prepared to compete for everything. There is no longer any doubt about the potential it has, another thing is how events develop in the future, but if until now it was not enough as Leo Messi said at the time, and rightly so, now it is enough. On Saturday they will have another chance to prove it before a new test this time against Madrid.
Barcelona likes it and beats Bayern led by a spectacular Raphinha.
There are many reasons why Barcelona has changed and currently offers a completely different image. Flick has come up with an effective defensive system. He has advanced the defensive line like never before, leaving the rival no room to maneuver. It is true that it is a system not suitable for the faint of heart because the rivals always border the offside and on many occasions they are capable of standing alone in front of the goalkeeper. But so far it is working for them.
We are prepared to compete in all competitions; we are on the right path
The increase in the performance of some players has also been key. Flick has multiplied the contribution of two players that the previous season they had not had a good time and did not have the coach’s complete confidence. Lewandowski and Raphinha They are the clearest examples. Without Flick they might not be at Barcelona and, on the other hand, right now they are a goal scoring machine. The Pole has 15 and Raphinha has already scored nine in addition to eight assists.
Lamine Yamal, in the match against Bayern.
Nor can you understand what is happening to Barcelona without the enormous confidence that the coach has given. to all the La Masía players. Throughout this season he was having a very high performance, but it was surprising how he excelled this Wednesday against Bayern. Fermin and Casado They looked like two veterans, while Lamine Yamal gave another exhibition of his. That perfect combination between young people and veterans is being key in this Barça.
The mentality with which all the footballers are playing is also a key factor. Flick’s demands are enormous and that means never stopping. The team does not relax despite having an advantage on the scoreboard. That is one of the reasons why he has so many goals. The players continue to press until the 90th minute without giving up and that has enormous value.
After Bayern, comes this Saturday the second big test. It is the Bernabéu against a Real Madrid that this Tuesday showed that only 45 minutes are enough to destroy a rival. Ancelotti’s team is not playing well so far, but their solvency when it comes to resolving matches is commendable. The clash appears exciting.
