Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has showered praises on the players for their stunning 4-2 win over Atletico Madrid to maintain the top position on the La Liga table.
The Blaugrana left the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium with the maximum points despite being 2-0 down with 20 minutes to go after Julián Álvarez, and Alexander Sørloth scored for Atletico Madrid.
Robert Lewandoski started the turnaround in the 72nd minute with a brilliant effort, and substitute Ferran Torres restored parity for Barcelona with a thumping header six minutes later.
Lamine Yamal continued his impressive run of form with the third goal for Barcelona in the 92nd minute before Ferran Torres put the icing on the cake in the 94th minute to hand the visitors the maximum points.
Barcelona have now won seven games in a row in La Liga but Hansi Flick described the win over Atletico Madrid as unbelievable while expressing pride at the team’s performance.
He said: “It was time to win after three matches [against Atlético].
“The quality was good. I think the match today for the supporters, the fans, for everyone in front of a television, was an amazing match.
“I’m happy. I’m proud of this team. I think you can see that the mentality is great, and they never give up.
“The reaction on the pitch was amazing and good. This is exactly what we want to do in matches. I can say that I am very, very proud.
“The whole team and the coaching staff, I’m proud of them. Because I think we have a great atmosphere in the team, in the dressing room, but also in everything around us. We’re one club, and everyone works together like a family, and that means a lot to me,”
Flick was asked about how Barcelona overcame a two-goal deficit for the first time this season, and if it is a sign that they will the league.
He said: “I think so. To go two goals down against Atletico and then win 4-2, and completely change the result and the game in 20 minutes, that’s very important.
“Because it shows that the team really believes in what they are doing, and believes in their strength, and that is a good position to be in.”
Barcelona’s young star, Lamine Yamal said it was important for the team to retain their top position ahead of the international break.
He said: “It was important to go into the break with a win and top of the table. And not just top, but also with a game in hand. That will give us confidence when we come back to kick on from there and try and widen the gap with the other teams in the title race.
“I think intensity above all is what was missing [before the comeback]. We were waiting to see what happened rather than really going for it.
“Until they scored two goals, we didn’t really step up and get going. That can’t happen. It’s something we have to improve. It also happened in the Copa del Rey. If we can improve these small details we can be closer to being a perfect team.”
In total, Barcelona are now unbeaten in 18 games in all competitions.
They have won the Spanish Supercopa and advanced to the quarterfinal of the Champions League, where they will meet Borussia Dortmund in April.
Flick played down the team’s chances of winning the quadruple this season.
He said: “It’s difficult, I know that it’s a long way,” he said when it was suggested his team could win every competition this season. “Now, what I feel is really good. I have confidence in the team that we can make huge things together.
“There is a long way to go, but we will try everything to win titles. The match against Atletico Madrid gives us much more confidence.”
Barcelona will return to action after the international break with a clash against Girona on March 30th.
Flick Hails Barcelona’s Unbelievable Victory Over Atletico Madrid is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
