Hansi Flick has experienced a significant turnaround with FC Barcelona, finding success in the Champions League after a disappointing league performance. Following a frustrating draw against Celta Vigo, Barcelona secured a 3:0 victory over Stade Brest, with Robert Lewandowski celebrating his milestone 100th Champions League goal. The team is now second in the Champions League standings and leads the league, showcasing improvement and a positive shift in morale. Lewandowski emphasizes teamwork in his scoring achievements.
Hansi Flick’s Journey from Frustration to Triumph
After a disappointing league performance, Hansi Flick can finally breathe a sigh of relief as FC Barcelona shines brightly in the Champions League. The German coach has witnessed a remarkable turnaround, highlighted by a historic milestone achieved by his star player.
A Strong Comeback Against Stade Brest
Following a frustrating 2:2 draw against Celta Vigo, which left Flick feeling disheartened, his team bounced back with a commanding 3:0 victory over Stade Brest in the Champions League. “I am very happy,” beamed Flick after the match, expressing his satisfaction with the team’s performance. “We deserved it. We could have scored more goals, but I’m thrilled with this result, especially after what happened in Vigo. In a long season, not everything goes as planned.”
In the earlier match against Celta Vigo, Barcelona squandered a 2:0 advantage, ultimately dropping two crucial points in the title race. Flick was understandably upset: “Everyone can play much better than they did today. The result reflects our performance. If you play at 80, 85, or 90 percent, you cannot expect to win,” he lamented, emphasizing the need for an internal discussion about the team’s approach.
Now, the mood is much brighter in Barcelona. Flick took a moment to praise Robert Lewandowski, who celebrated a significant achievement by scoring his 100th Champions League goal against Brest. This milestone places him alongside football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. “The team plays a vital role in helping him score these goals. What they do is wonderful,” Flick noted. “Lewandowski’s performance is nothing short of incredible. I had the privilege of coaching him at Bayern, where he shattered numerous records. Although he’s a key player, it’s a collective effort that allows him to find the back of the net.”
Lewandowski, who added his 101st goal during stoppage time, has already netted 22 goals in just 19 competitive matches this season. Reflecting on his incredible journey, he humorously remarked, “A few years back, I never imagined I would score more than 100 goals in the Champions League. Catching up to Messi and Ronaldo… I think they’re pretty good, right?” After the match, he proudly celebrated on Instagram, writing “100! … And 101,” while emphasizing the importance of winning games: “For me, the most crucial thing is that we strive to win every match, and if I can contribute with a goal, that’s just perfect.”
With this victory, Barcelona climbed to second place in the Champions League standings, amassing twelve points from five matches, just one point shy of Inter Milan and level on points with Liverpool, who will face Real Madrid on Wednesday. In the league, Flick’s squad is currently leading with 34 points, four points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, who have one game in hand.