Over the years, Barcelona’s Champions League campaigns have disappointed the fans. There have been times when the fans have experienced early exits and painful memories. The club has struggled to regain its elite European status for over 10 years. With Barcelona’s current form, Flick has revived the dream of the Champions League again.
The UCL’s Best Attacking Side
Barcelona’s attack has been quite inconsistent over the years in the Champions League. The attack didn’t perform when they were needed the most. This isn’t the case this year, Barcelona’s attack has dominated Europe this season. Barcelona has the highest shot conversion rate, multiple 3+ goals wins against top European sides, and is the highest-scoring team in the Champions League this season.
Barcelona is leading the charts with 29 goals, their attack with informing Raphinha, lethal Lewandowski, and the agile Lamine is unstoppable. The days of predictable possession play have gone, Barça’s attack is ruthless and terrifying to opposition defenses.
Statement Wins: Home or Away
Barcelona went up against multiple European giants in the UEFA Champions League and ticked all the boxes against them. Under Flick, Barcelona’s performances are not just about the numbers, they’ve been about the big-game mentality.
Over the years Barcelona struggled to show any character against big European sides, their game against big sides was poor and always ended as defeats. This season Barcelona has already taken down Bayern with a score-line of 4-1 at home, a win against Borussia Dortmund away from home, and a dramatic win against Benfica. The games against Benfica and Dortmund were tough where the home side had an advantage, but this season Barcelona’s winning mentality was highlighted.
Flick’s Tactical Evolution
Over the years, as football has modernized the tiki-taka and possession play became outdated. Despite these styles failing, managers like Koeman and Xavi always went with this approach having no success. Flick understood this and changed Barcelona’s style.
Flick evolved the Barcelona playing style, combining the club’s traditional possession-based approach with German efficiency and high pressing. The results till now are impeccable. He plays a balanced 4-2-3-1 system that maximizes both attack and defense, the attack has more freedom and the high line at defense makes things better. Barcelona’s pressing game has improved under Flick and players are adapted to make most of the opponent’s mistakes.
Stars Stepping Up
Flick has unlocked the full potential of Barcelona stars who were termed as flops. Both the youngsters and the veterans of the squad are playing at their best under Flick’s leadership.
Lamine Yamal is having a breakout season, showing off his dazzling dribbling and contributing to the team. Lewandowski who had a hard time finding his form at Barcelona has regained his lethal shooting boots, he has already scored 35 goals this season.
Raphinha was termed as a “flop” and Barcelona fans wanted him to be out, he has been the best player for Barcelona under Flick. Pau Cubarsi has made a name for himself, he has been so important for Flick’s side that he forced Flick to bench the main starters of the team.
Pedri and Frenkie have been dictating games for Barcelona, they have complete control of the game and can pace up or slow down the attack whenever they want.
Players like Balde, and Inigo have been key to the squad as well. New stars like Casado and Bernal have also confirmed their spot in the squad.
Conclusion
Barcelona have completely transformed under Hansi Flick. They have been strong, disciplined, and consistent for half of the season. This season with the different play style and approach, Barcelona has the chance to win the UEFA Champions League. Barcelona’s path to the final is much easier than previous seasons and if the team keeps up these performances there is no one stopping them from lifting the long-awaited title.