For teams aiming for a treble, winning even when not playing at their peak is crucial. Barcelona demonstrated this perfectly in a thrilling 4-3 victory against Celta Vigo on Saturday. After falling behind 3-1 by the 62nd minute, goals from Raphinha and Dani Olmo spearheaded a comeback for Hansi Flick`s squad, securing a vital three points.
Barcelona has navigated an emotionally charged week, having secured a Champions League semi-final spot after their win against Borussia Dortmund. However, the schedule remains relentless. Flick has previously voiced concerns about fixture congestion, emphasizing the lack of rest for teams competing in the Champions League. Barcelona`s April schedule includes a league match against Mallorca, the Copa Del Rey final against Real Madrid, and the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Inter later in the month.
With major trophies and high-stakes matches approaching, Barcelona has limited opportunities for player rotation. This game against Celta Vigo highlighted this challenge. Flick`s decision to rest key players like Lamine Yamal and Gavi backfired as Borja Iglesias capitalized, scoring a hat-trick and putting Barcelona in a difficult position.
The introduction of Yamal and Olmo proved to be game-changing. Olmo scored just five minutes after entering the pitch, and Yamal quickly followed up with an assist to Raphinha four minutes later. Barcelona`s attack regained its potency, and Raphinha ultimately secured the win with a penalty in the eighth minute of added time in the second half.
Raphinha`s exceptional season continues, bringing his tally to 28 goals and 20 assists across all competitions for Barcelona. He has emerged as a strong contender for the Ballon d`Or, playing a pivotal role in Barcelona`s push to the top of La Liga, where they now hold a seven-point lead over Real Madrid.
Despite the victory, concerns arose as Robert Lewandowski was substituted due to muscle discomfort. His condition will be evaluated, but with a packed schedule, Barcelona cannot afford a lengthy absence. Lewandowski has been in stellar form this season, scoring 40 goals and providing three assists, marking his best performance since the 2021-22 season with Bayern Munich. With Lewandowski leading the attack, Flick has built a formidable offensive force that poses a threat to any team, contributing significantly to Barcelona`s treble aspirations.
The next major challenge in their treble pursuit is El Clasico against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on April 26th. Lewandowski`s potential absence in this crucial match would be a significant blow. While Real Madrid has shown vulnerability, especially after a heavy defeat against Arsenal in the Champions League, form often becomes irrelevant in rivalry games, particularly with a trophy at stake.
Flick`s tactical decisions have largely been successful this season, but he must maintain this momentum as Barcelona cannot afford any missteps in the upcoming matches. Winning a treble is always a demanding task, made even more challenging by the increasing fixture congestion faced by players globally. Barcelona has set its sights on this ambitious goal, and the next crucial step is the upcoming match against Real Madrid.
Dominic Ashworth