What a campaign it has been for Barcelona in the Champions League. Even in the moments when things have gone wrong, they’ve found a response and a way to get the result.
For that, much of the credit must go to the manager, because the team looks unrecognizable in their poise and preparation.
The round of 16 was a test for Hansi Flick. Benfica is a team that historically matches up very well against Barcelona, and knows how to give them fits.
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In the first leg, they put Barca against the ropes when Pau Cubarsí was ejected for a red card tackle that prevented a goal scoring opportunity.