Barcelona Defeats Espanyol 3-1, but Flick Concerned About Second-Half Performance

Barcelona secured a 3-1 victory over Espanyol in a high-stakes LaLiga derby on Sunday, but the team’s second-half performance left head coach Hansi Flick somewhat dissatisfied. Despite a dominant first half that saw Barca leading 3-0, Flick noted his players seemed to ease off, allowing Espanyol to gain momentum. Although Barcelona comfortably leads LaLiga by nine points, Flick was clear that he expects a more disciplined performance in their upcoming Champions League fixture against Red Star Belgrade.

The first half showcased Barcelona’s efficiency and control, as they quickly built a commanding lead. Flick’s strategy emphasized swift, coordinated attacks and a high defensive line to keep Espanyol contained. However, Espanyol managed to capitalize on Barcelona's relaxed pace in the second half, with two goals disallowed by VAR for offside before finally breaking through Barcelona’s defenses, denying the hosts a clean sheet.

Acknowledging the inconsistencies, Flick took a balanced approach in his post-match comments, saying, “The second half today, I told the team that I would accept it because they have done a great job so far. But on Wednesday, we need a better performance.” He pointed out that while the derby was challenging, Barcelona’s errors—particularly in ball retention—allowed Espanyol too many opportunities. However, he praised his players’ focus and resilience, noting that maintaining concentration through the season remains vital.

Barcelona’s reliance on a high defensive line has proven effective throughout the season, often catching opponents offside. Although Espanyol eventually breached this setup, Flick defended the approach, emphasizing that it brings both benefits and risks. “This is part of the game. This is how we play,” he remarked, underscoring Barcelona’s commitment to their high-pressing strategy despite occasional vulnerabilities.

Meanwhile, Espanyol, who have struggled in recent encounters with Barcelona, showed renewed determination in the second half. Espanyol coach Manolo Gonzalez’s halftime talk appeared to inspire his players, who fought hard to regain respect and pride in the face of a difficult season. Gonzalez highlighted his frustration with chants about relegation, saying, “Hearing chants about being relegated to the second division makes me explode, it burns me up inside, it annoys me.” He emphasized that while defeat is sometimes inevitable, the way a team performs matters deeply to him and to the fans.

For Gonzalez, Espanyol’s improved second-half performance was a source of pride. “We competed at a good level for 45 minutes,” he stated, adding that a full 90 minutes of such effort could have changed the narrative, even if the score remained unfavorable. While Barcelona extended their unbeaten streak against Espanyol to 27 LaLiga matches, Gonzalez expressed the need for consistency in competitive spirit, especially for a team battling near the relegation zone.

Flick and his Barcelona squad now turn their attention to the Champions League, where a similar lapse in performance could carry greater consequences. Despite their significant lead in LaLiga, the team remains focused on refining their tactics and ensuring that Sunday’s second-half slip does not become a recurring issue. With Flick emphasizing consistency, Barcelona will be looking to strengthen their form as they pursue both domestic and international success this season.

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