On a memorable European night, Hansi Flick guided Barcelona to a crucial 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. This win puts the Catalan side in a strong position ahead of the return leg at Montjuïc on March 11.
However, despite the significance of the victory, reports from the Spanish newspaper El Nacional suggest that tensions flared in the Barcelona dressing room after the match. Instead of an entirely celebratory atmosphere, frustrations emerged, particularly from Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo, who were reportedly unhappy with Flick’s substitutions.
Both players were disappointed to be taken off during the match, feeling that Robert Lewandowski should have been substituted instead. With Barcelona playing with ten men following Pau Cubarsí’s early red card, Lewandowski’s lack of pace and pressing ability became evident. The Polish striker struggled to apply pressure on Benfica’s defense, and many within the squad felt that younger, more energetic players like Yamal and Olmo would have been more effective in those circumstances.
Despite his struggles, Lewandowski remained on the pitch until the final ten minutes, a decision that left Yamal and Olmo visibly frustrated. They believed that the team needed fresher legs to handle the challenge of playing with a numerical disadvantage, making Flick’s choice to keep Lewandowski on the field all the more questionable.
Although Barcelona secured an important victory, the tension in the dressing room hinted at underlying disagreements regarding Flick’s tactical decisions. The German coach’s continued faith in Lewandowski, despite his declining pace, has raised discussions within the squad about his decision-making. Whether this internal unrest will affect the team moving forward remains to be seen, but Barcelona will need to maintain unity as they prepare for the decisive second leg.
