Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has praised his side’s never-die mentality after they came from two goals down to defeat title rivals Atletico Madrid 4-2 on Sunday.
The Catalan giants had failed to beat their opponents in two prior meetings this season, first suffering a 2-1 loss in the reverse fixture before a thrilling 4-4 draw in the Copa Del Rey semifinal first leg last month.
Atletico Madrid took a first half lead through Argentine forward Julian Alvarez, before doubling their lead with 20 minutes left in the match through Alexander Sorloth.
“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, it was an amazing match”, Flick said in the post match conference.
However, the Catalan giants started the comeback when Poland international Robert Lewandowski fired in a superb goal, before second half substitute Ferran Torres headed in a second six minutes later.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal completed the turnaround scoring a 92nd minute goal while Ferran Torres scored his second of the game and Barcelona’s fourth in the 98th minute.
“The reaction after second Atlético goal was unbelievable”, Flick added. “To score four goals in 20 minutes here against this team is very good.
I am proud of this team. The mentality is really good. They never give up. The reaction on the pitch was unbelievable. It was a great day for us today.
You can feel [the spirit] and see it in training. We want to train how we want to play. [The players] do it really good”, the former Bayern Munich coach continued.
“At the moment, we have huge confidence in the way we want to play. Atlético are a fantastic team. They defend well. But my team today was the better team.”
The victory moved Hansi Flick’s side back to the top of the Laliga standings level on points with Real Madrid, with a game in hand, with Atletico Madrid four points behind in third place.
Barcelona have now won seven games in a row in the league and are unbeaten in their last 18 matches in all competitions as they head into the international break.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
