Barcelona achieved an epic victory over Benfica in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, winning 1-0 in a very difficult match, despite playing with ten men since the 20th minute of the first half.
The early expulsion of player Pau Coparsi was a turning point in the match, but the Catalan team was able to withstand and manage the game efficiently, achieving a valuable victory that enhances their chances of qualifying for the next round.
Regarding the exciting events that took place after the match, the Catalan newspaper “Sport” reported that Hansi Flick, the coach of Barcelona, surprised everyone when he apologized to player Dani Olmo in the locker room.
Flick decided to replace Olmo and put Araujo in the heart of the defense after Coparsi’s early expulsion, a decision that angered the Spanish star, who felt that he did not get enough opportunity.
The German coach admitted to his teammates that his substitution of Olmo was in the team’s best interest given the difficult circumstances Barcelona faced, and apologized to him in the locker room.
This stance reflects the great appreciation Flick has for all his players and opens the door to questions about how coaches manage such situations within teams. It highlights that making difficult decisions in decisive matches may cause tension between players, but admitting mistakes and apologizing is what strengthens the team spirit within the squad.