It was not a trap. It was a hatch. From the first minutes, FC Barcelona felt the nets tightening at the José Zorrilla stadium. Barely six minutes of play, and already Iván Sánchez sent his own in front, on a strike deflected by Araujo who Lobait Ter Stegen. The Catalan defense, largely reworked by Flick, has vacillated. The stake was clear: to spare the executives before the semi-final return against Inter. But this choice almost cost dear.
In the torpor of an experimental eleven, Barça wandered. Dani Rodríguez, Ansu Fati, Pau Víctor… so many names, little impact. Pedri tried to organize, without relay. Gavi exhausted in a vacuum. At the break, Flick had to change his rifle: by Jong and Raphinha entered to reverse the course of an ill -boarded match.
The Lamine Yamal click
The spark came, as often this season of the Lamine Yamal phenomenon. Having entered before the break following the injury of Dani Rodríguez, the young winger brought speed, ideas and danger. On a center on his part, Ferreira released, and Raphinha arose to equalize at the time of play. An action as symbolic as it is liberating for a team hitherto amorphous.
Released, the Blaugrana have found their circuits. On a clear action, switches from one side to the other, Gerard Martín found Fermín behind. With a precise left foot flat, the Andalusian medium gave the advantage to Barcelona. A simple and superb goal, like revenge on a first indigestible period.
A tense finish, a barça always alive
But closing a match is never easy. Flick launched Dani Olmo to manage the end, but the fear was never far away. Strong found the post, Ter Stegen saved his family in front of Latasa, and even Gavi left the injured ground. The last wick? Lamine, again, stopped on his line by Candela.
Barça is therefore doing. To the snatch. To pain. And a few days before a capital duel in Milan, this victory, however little brilliant, could be very expensive. Because she confirms that even in the panade, this Barça version Flick has the respondent. But at this rate, the tank may scream famine.
