Barcelona and SL Benfica dished out a basic encounter, one for the ages, at Estadio da Luz final evening within the UEFA Champions League, because the Catalans pulled off a surprising 5-4 comeback win within the final minute of the match.
Having gone behind early within the recreation, Barça managed to equalise by Robert Lewandowski’s penalty, solely to concede two extra targets earlier than the half-hour mark courtesy of huge errors from goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
A comical second within the second half noticed Barça make it 3-2 when the Benfica goalkeeper’s clearance bounced off Raphinha’s head and the ball discovered its means into the aim.
Benfica restored their two-goal cushion minutes later however Lewandowski transformed one other penalty within the 78th minute earlier than Eric Garcia made it 4-4 within the 86th minute.
Simply when it appeared like the 2 groups would share the spoils, Raphinha got here up clutch, scoring after a swift counter within the 96th minute to win it for his workforce.
Hansi Flick pleased with perspective, needs to keep away from errors
Talking to the media after the epic encounter in Lisbon, Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick highlighted his gamers’ perspective and mentality for not dropping out at any level within the match.
“It was a loopy recreation. The perfect factor was the mentality. That is soccer. I’ve by no means skilled a comeback like this earlier than,” mentioned Flick.
“They’re superb in transitions and so they scored on us. They pressured us to defend very deep, as we weren’t effectively positioned. The substitutions helped us lots.”
The win meant that Barça have now secured a top-eight spot within the UCL desk and can straight qualify for the knockout levels. However Flick insisted that the job was not performed, saying:
“For us, now it’s vital to give attention to Valencia after which Atalanta. We don’t take into consideration being calm. We wish to beat Atalanta as effectively.”
On the change of ways within the last levels of the sport, when he opted for 3 centre-backs and loads of attackers, the Barcelona boss mentioned:
“We needed to change one thing, that’s what we mentioned at half-time, and that’s one of the best factor concerning the recreation. The mentality of the gamers, believing in themselves. It was glorious. I used to be already happy with one level, however with three it’s even higher.”
A comeback for the ages. (Photograph by Alex Pantling – UEFA/UEFA through Getty Photos)
Highlighting that there was nonetheless loads of room for enchancment, Flick remarked: “I feel a very powerful factor is that we’d like time to coach. We’re making errors and that may’t be corrected with restoration classes.
“It’s arduous for the coaches however we’ve reached the final 16 and that’s vital for us as a result of it provides us some respiratory house, exactly for that.”
Szczesny’s errors led to Barça conceding two targets within the first half however the supervisor sympathised with the veteran goalkeeper, saying:
“What participant doesn’t make errors? All of us make them. We win and lose collectively. I preferred what I noticed within the second half.”
Additional delving into the Polish stopper’s efficiency in addition to explaining the choice to begin him over Inaki Pena, the German tactician acknowledged:
“He made some errors within the first half. However like everybody else. I don’t discuss in these conditions about particular person performances. Then he made vital saves in Benica’s possibilities. We win collectively and we lose collectively.
“We analyse every part. Inaki has performed effectively. There’s nothing towards Inaki, what I’ve performed is a choice for the workforce. We’ll see what occurs on Sunday.”
There was reward reserved for star midfielder Pedri, who was by far one of the best Barça participant on the evening.
“He at all times needs the ball, he creates the precise play, he sees the areas. And he’s crucial for us. And he gave the help for the 4-4. He’s able to creating possibilities,” mentioned Flick.
The Barcelona head coach additionally hailed substitute Eric Garcia’s impression after approaching, saying:
“Eric is a crucial participant for us, and he’s additionally among the finest headers we’ve in assault. And right this moment he proved it. He has a very good mentality.”
On what he considered Benfica’s robust protests towards the referee over Barça’s last-minute winner, the place VAR checked for a penalty for the hosts and nothing was given, Flick famous:
“They’re among the finest groups in transition. I haven’t seen the final play. It went to the VAR and so they determined towards Benfica. It’s a part of soccer. I reside within the now. It was a tremendous end. It was an unbelievable recreation.”
Supply: AS