Barcelona secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, despite playing with ten men for most of the match. The early red card for Pau Cubarsí in the 20th minute forced Barcelona into a defensive battle, but they managed to hold on and claim a crucial win.
After the match, an interesting moment unfolded in the locker room. According to the Catalan newspaper Sport, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick personally apologized to Dani Olmo for substituting him early in the game. Following Cubarsí’s expulsion, Flick opted to bring on Ronald Araújo to reinforce the defense, replacing Olmo—a decision that reportedly frustrated the Spanish midfielder, who felt he wasn’t given enough time to contribute.
Flick explained to the squad that the change was made purely in the team’s best interest given the challenging circumstances. His willingness to apologize and acknowledge Olmo’s frustration highlights his respect for his players and the importance of team harmony.
This incident sheds light on the delicate balance managers must maintain in high-pressure matches. While tough decisions can lead to disappointment among players, open communication and honesty help foster a strong team spirit—something Barcelona will need as they aim to advance to the quarterfinals.
