Flick ‘immensely proud’ of 10-man Barcelona after Benfica victory

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick says he is “immensely proud” of his after they ran out 1-0 winners over Benfica in their Champions League Round of 16 first leg despite playing 70 minutes with 10 men.

Raphinha scored the only goal of the game on the hour mark with a stunning long-range strike after Pau Cubarsi had been given a straight red card just 20 minutes into the match for scything down Vangelis Pavlidis as the striker was through on goal.

A string of impressive saves from goalkeeper Wojciech Sczczesny, as well as some resolute defending, ensured the hosts take a slender advantage into next week’s clash at the Spotify Camp Nou.

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But the La Liga leaders will feel as though they have put themselves in a strong position to progress to the last eight of the competition.

“I’m immensely proud of my team. They have been fantastic,” Flick said.

“After playing 22 minutes with one less player, it’s a great performance. They ran a lot and gave it their all.”

The Barcelona manager also singled out praise for both Pedri and Szczesny, admitting the 34-year-old keeper is growing in confidence with every game.

Flick said: “We had a good goalkeeper today, who was fantastic for us. We defended as a unit and that’s the important thing. I’m happy for him.”

“It’s clear that Szczesny is a different player , he’s more confident in every game and we’re defending better. I know he could play at this level because I see him every day in training.”

About Pedri, Flick simply said he was “at a brutal, incredible level, we’re happy for him.”

Despite the away victory and aggregate lead going into the second leg, however, Flick insisted the contest was far from settled.

“The tie is not over yet,” he added. “I know we are in a good position now, but I also know that in football anything is possible. The return match will be difficult.”

Barcelona welcome Benfica to the Spotify Camp Nou on Tuesday knowing that the winners will face either Borussia Dortmund or Lille in the quarter-final.