Hansi Flick will turn 60 in February. Coaching career of 29 years. He was asked to know, has he ever seen that it can be turned around like this? Flick’s straightforward words, ‘I don’t think so.’ The scoreline is 9 goals, which is actually a thriller. Barca’s incredible turnaround story after falling behind by 2 goals twice. The scoreline is also unique—the first 54-goal match in Champions League history. Where 31 goals behind at the break even 77 minutes and 42 behind Barça finally won! Has risen to the last sixteen.
Barca have been in the Champions League before. 201617 Champions League last 16 Barca won against PSG after 4 goals in the first leg. But what Flick’s team has done is a first in the history of the Champions League – Barca are the first team to win at the end of 75 minutes after trailing by 2 goals in the opponent’s field. After seeing something like that, only one word can come out of the mouth. Crazy!
Flick also says that, ‘It was a crazy match. Benfica were very good, especially in the first half. We made a lot of mistakes…after the break we wanted to change things. Wanted to take a better position and said we want to turn around.’ The Brazilian has already scored 22 goals in 30 matches this season, 8 in the Champions League. The joy of the last goal must be different? Listen to Rafinha’s mouth, ‘I am probably in the best time of my career. We knew how good they were in front of their home crowd. But we had the mentality to turn the match around after the break. We never gave up and managed to grab the win.’
Adding to the sweetness of Barca’s clinching victory were two mistakes by goalkeeper Cejni, who conceded both goals. However, the Polish goalkeeper also made two excellent saves. All in all, Barca won through the drama of the match.
We turned around and won, which is nice. And that’s football, that’s why we love the game. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a turnaround. It’s unbelievable.’