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BEN 4-5 BAR: Five Key Decisions by Hansi Flick That Turned the Game in Barcelona's Favor

opera.com 2025/2/9

Barcelona’s 5-4 comeback victory over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League was a thrilling spectacle, and much of the credit belongs to manager Hansi Flick. The German tactician made five pivotal decisions during the match, each of which played a critical role in Barcelona’s dramatic turnaround.

1. Early Tactical Adjustments:

Trailing 3-1 at the half-hour mark, Flick quickly reshaped his side’s structure. Recognizing the need for more midfield control, he brought on Frenkie de Jong and Fermin Lopez in the 62nd minute. Their introduction allowed Barcelona to dominate possession, dictating the tempo and stifling Benfica’s counterattacks. De Jong’s composure and Lopez’s energy proved instrumental in Barcelona’s resurgence.

2. Switching to an Aggressive Press:

After Benfica extended their lead to 4-2 through Ronald Araújo’s unfortunate own goal in the 68th minute, Flick implemented a high pressing strategy. The move forced Benfica into errors, disrupting their rhythm and creating openings for Barcelona’s forwards. This tactical shift was evident in Raphinha’s persistence, which led to his header making it 3-2 in the 64th minute and set the stage for Barcelona’s comeback.

3. Introducing Eric García:

Flick’s decision to replace Jules Koundé with Eric García in the 74th minute was bold but effective. García’s aerial ability and precise passing contributed significantly to Barcelona’s equalizer in the 87th minute. He rose highest to meet a cross and headed the ball past Benfica’s goalkeeper, Anatoliy Trubin, leveling the score at 4-4 and giving Barcelona a platform to push for the win.

4. Trusting Raphinha’s Leadership:

Throughout the match, Raphinha was a constant threat, and Flick’s faith in the Brazilian winger paid off handsomely. Flick allowed Raphinha the freedom to roam and dictate attacks, a decision that culminated in the 96th-minute winner. The Brazilian latched onto a precise pass and calmly slotted the ball into the net, completing Barcelona’s remarkable comeback.

5. Late Substitution of Gerard Martin:

Flick’s introduction of young forward Gerard Martin in stoppage time showcased his knack for calculated risks. While Martin didn’t score, his fresh legs added another dimension to Barcelona’s attack, keeping Benfica’s defense under relentless pressure. This substitution created space for Raphinha to exploit and deliver the decisive goal.

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