Pau Cubarsí’s red card against Benfica could have been a major setback for Barcelona, but the team showed resilience to secure a crucial victory. Despite the early sending-off, Wojciech Szczesny and the rest of the squad stepped up, with Raphinha’s goal proving decisive.
Cubarsí’s Apology and Team’s Response
After the match, Cubarsí immediately apologized to his teammates in the dressing room, acknowledging that his mistake could have cost them the game. His maturity and accountability were well received by Hansi Flick and the squad, who reassured him that errors are part of a young player’s growth.
At just 17 years old, Cubarsí has already played over 50 matches at the highest level, but moments like this highlight the experience he still needs to gain. The key takeaway is that both Flick and his teammates trust him to learn from it and come back stronger.
What This Means Moving Forward
✔️ Cubarsí will miss the second leg, which forces Flick to adjust his defensive lineup.
✔️ Barcelona remains unbeaten in 2025, showing they can overcome adversity.
✔️ Szczesny proving his worth as the team’s undisputed No. 1 with a match-winning display.
This was a tough lesson for Cubarsí, but his response shows he has the right mentality to grow into a top defender.
