Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has warned that his side will get better despite clinching the Laliga title with a 2-0 victory away at local rivals Espanyol on Thursday.
The Catalan giants needed just two points from their last three league matches, with the comfortable win at the RCDE stadium securing a second league title in three years.
As it happened
Real Madrid’s late winner against Mallorca on Wednesday, meant that the Blaugrana needed a win to clinch the title on Thursday night.
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Former Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny produced a brilliant save in the first half to deny Javi Puado, as the hosts had the better chances in a scoreless opening half.
However, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal unleashed a stunning curler into the top corner to give Barcelona the lead, before Espanyol’s Leandro Cabrera was sent off for an elbow on the 17-year old.
Substitute Fermin Lopez wrapped things up in stoppage time as the visitors completed a clean sweep of Spain’s domestic titles this season.
Flick’s impact at Barcelona
The German was brought in to replace former coach Xavi Hernandez, who struggled to make an impact last season.
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Despite battling financial constraints with only Spanish international Dani Olmo signed from RB Leipzig last summer, Flick has turned Barcelona into the most entertaining team in European football.
A blend of the experience and youth has propelled the team to greatness, defeating rivals Real Madrid in all four clasico meetings this season while completing a domestic treble in the process.
Barcelona were also few minutes away from reaching the UCL final, suffering a narrow defeat to Inter Milan in an all-time Classic semifinal over both legs.
What Flick said
“It was a very good level, but I think we have the potential to be even better,” he told Movistar afterwards.
With Barça, you have to win titles, and three is great. I suffered after the semi-final in Milan, but with three titles, I think both the club and the players like me… there’s something to be happy about”, Flick said.
The German has just one year left on his initial two-year deal, although he is widely expected to extend his stay at the club.
“It’s always very positive to be mentally strong. After the Christmas break, they helped us a lot,” he added.
“Winning the Super Cup gave us confidence. The players, like Frenkie and many others, have reached their peak, and it’s great to see how they’ve improved. I’m very happy.”
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.
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