Barcelona secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Benfica in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16, ensuring their place in the quarter-finals. With this triumph, the Catalan giants advanced to the next stage, where they will face either Lille or Borussia Dortmund.
The match showcased Barcelona’s dominance, with key contributions from several of their top players, including Raphinha, Yamal, and Pedri. Their performances played a crucial role in securing the victory and reinforcing the team’s strength in European competition.
After the game, Barcelona midfielder Gavi made a surprising statement regarding who he believes deserves to win the Ballon d’Or this season. In an unexpected remark, he asserted that Pedri, rather than his high-profile teammates like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, is the most deserving of the prestigious award.
Gavi expressed his admiration for Pedri, calling him the best player in the world and stating that no one deserves the Ballon d’Or more than him. He described Pedri as a “true phenomenon” and emphasized his crucial role in Barcelona’s success this season. According to Gavi, Pedri’s ability to dictate the game, his composure under pressure, and his outstanding work rate set him apart.
Additionally, Gavi praised Pedri for his consistent performances throughout the season, highlighting his exceptional ball control, vision, and ability to regain possession in crucial moments.
He also pointed out that Pedri has been instrumental in creating scoring opportunities for his teammates through his impressive number of assists, making him a key player in Barcelona’s attack.
However, Gavi’s comments reportedly caused tension within the Barcelona squad, particularly among players like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, who might have felt overlooked in the discussion for the Ballon d’Or. Given their own impressive contributions this season, some of Pedri’s teammates may have believed they were equally deserving of such recognition.
In response to the situation, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick had to step in to maintain harmony within the team. He reminded the players that their primary focus should be on winning trophies as a collective unit rather than individual accolades.
Flick emphasized that there would be a time to discuss personal achievements, but for now, the team’s unity and success in the Champions League should remain the top priority.
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