Winger says “most important thing” was the win; Hansi Flick says his side must prepare for fatigue
Barcelona winger Raphinha said the squad were impressed after Lamine Yamal’s excellent bicycle kick to wrap up the victory over Real Oviedo at the Camp Nou on Sunday.
Hansi Flick’s side seized on mistakes from the visitors to score two quick goals just before the hour, and then Yamal capped off the win his improvised, acrobatic finish from Dani Olmo’s cross, eventually exiting the pitch to a standing ovation.
“We were blown away by Lamine’s goal – spectacular,” Raphinha said. “But the important thing was to win and gain confidence for Wednesday’s game against Copenhagen [in the Champions League].
“We knew it was going to be very difficult against an opponent that presses well and wants to play. We weren’t at our best in the first half, but in the second half, we were able to score the goals.
“We tried to press high in the second half to win the ball back as quickly as possible, and that’s how the first two goals came about.”
Flick admitted his side were poor in a flat and underwhelming first half, before raising their game in the second period. He pointed out that fatigue was an issue the team would have to deal with.
“There are a lot of matches and trips, and that’s no excuse, but it’s taken us a little longer to reach our best level,” Flick said. “We did it in the second half.
“They pressed very high up the pitch, and we didn’t play at our best in the first half. We improved a lot in the second half; we scored quickly, and that was good.
“We have one game after another, a lot of travel. We hardly have any days off, and we have to take that into account. I’m aware that it’s our job. The team always gives its best.”
