Hansi Flick talks Gerard Martin, Lewandowski, Yamal and more after Atletico Madrid 1-2 Barcelona

Barcelona headed to the Metropolitano figuring out that Actual Madrid had already slipped up earlier within the day, dropping 2-1 at Mallorca. The chance to open up a commanding lead in La Liga was proper there, and Barca took it however not with out drama.

Giuliano Simeone put Atletico forward within the thirty ninth minute earlier than Marcus Rashford levelled virtually instantly.

The sport then turned on a first-half stoppage time purple card for Nicolas Gonzalez, who was dismissed for scything down Lamine Yamal.

Gerard Martin was then proven purple within the opening seconds of the second half, just for VAR to overturn it to a yellow – a call that infuriated the house facet.

With Atletico holding agency and the clock winding down, Robert Lewandowski pounced on a rebound off Juan Musso within the 87th minute to win it. Seven factors clear with eight video games to play, Barcelona are firmly within the driving seat.

What Flick stated after win vs Atletico Madrid

Hansi Flick was in good spirits on the pitch and carried that into the press convention, although he was measured in how he addressed the title image.

“It was an important victory. They defended very properly with 10, however we performed very properly with the ball. We managed the sport, and I appreciated it. We tried every part to attain the second aim. Crucial factor is the victory and the three factors.”

“It’s not straightforward to play right here; the environment could be very sturdy,” he stated.

One of many defining moments of the night time was the Gerard Martin incident – proven purple by referee Busquets Ferrer earlier than VAR intervened and diminished it to a yellow.

“I haven’t seen him on TV, solely reside, however for me, what I’ve seen is that he cleared the ball. The very first thing I assumed was that there was no foul, however I feel it does later. It’s a call. I don’t suppose it was for a purple card,” he stated.

With the hole now at seven factors, the strain has shifted firmly towards Madrid however Flick was not excited by wanting sideways.

“We by no means take a look at different groups. I’m excited by my staff. You need to do your job and now we have executed it. We may have executed issues higher. We’d like this starvation to wish to win video games.”

“Each sport is totally different and never straightforward to play. That is what I wish to see in my staff. After the break, the primary sport shouldn’t be straightforward. It wasn’t for us, or for Atletico, or for Madrid, nevertheless it’s our job,” he stated,

“Everybody knew that these three factors had been essential. However we additionally know that it’s not executed and that on Wednesday now we have an important sport. We’re going to play Atletico, who’re an incredible staff. We’re glad, however now we have not celebrated a lot,” he added.

The late winner got here from Robert Lewandowski, whose contract scenario stays unresolved heading into the summer time. Flick made clear it isn’t a dialog for now.

“For me it’s too distant to speak about Lewandowski’s renewal. I’m pleased with Robert and my gamers. There are eight league video games left to play. We’ve to be targeted. It’s our job; then we’ll see what occurs.”

Lamine Yamal was one among Barca’s finest on the night time, however left the pitch visibly annoyed and didn’t acknowledge Flick as he walked off.

“I don’t know, I used to be slightly indignant. It’s regular, he gave every part and couldn’t rating. In fact, it’s emotional. Now he’s within the dressing room, and he’s higher. It has nothing to do with the sport; he has given every part,” he stated.

The one cloud over the outcome was the health of two gamers who went off throughout the match. Each Bernal and Araujo picked up knocks, with the latter having come straight from worldwide obligation with Uruguay.

“We’ve to see, look forward to tomorrow. After which we’ll know the outcome and see what we do. I hope it doesn’t go any additional. Ronald got here from the nationwide staff, from two video games; I hope it’s nothing critical,” he concluded.

Supply: Diario SPORT