Stunning turn of events! Following their dramatic win over Benfica, Barcelona’s pair rattle the mood and spark tension in the locker room, criticizing Hansi Flick’s baffling decision!

On a remarkable night in European football, Barcelona, under the leadership of coach Hansi Flick, secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. The match, held at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, ended in favor of the Catalan club, providing them with an important advantage ahead of the return leg at Montjuïc on Tuesday, March 11.

While the result was a positive step toward qualification, the post-match atmosphere within the Barcelona dressing room was not entirely celebratory.

According to reports from the Spanish newspaper El Nacional, tension arose among the players despite the victory. Two key members of the squad, Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo, were particularly unhappy with Flick’s managerial decisions during the match. Their frustration stemmed from being substituted, a decision they found questionable, especially considering the presence of Robert Lewandowski on the pitch.

Barcelona had been reduced to ten men early in the game following the sending-off of Coparsi. This numerical disadvantage made it essential for the remaining players to put in extra effort.

However, Lewandowski, who is past his physical prime, struggled to maintain intensity in attack. His lack of speed and pressing ability put additional strain on the team. Despite this, Flick kept the Polish striker on the field until the final moments, opting instead to replace Yamal and Olmo, much to their dismay.

The duo felt their energy and dynamism could have contributed more to the team’s efforts, particularly given the circumstances. In their view, substituting Lewandowski, who was visibly struggling, would have been the more logical choice.

They believed that relying on younger, more agile players would have given Barcelona a greater advantage, especially while playing with ten men.

Though Barcelona’s win was a significant achievement, the tension in the dressing room cast a shadow over the triumph. Yamal and Olmo were vocal in their dissatisfaction, viewing Flick’s decision as an error in judgment. Their frustration highlighted a potential rift in the squad regarding tactical choices.

Meanwhile, Flick’s continued trust in Lewandowski raised questions about his selection strategy. As Barcelona prepares for the return leg, managing these internal tensions will be crucial in ensuring the team remains focused on advancing further in the competition.