Hansi Flick hailed a “very important” response from Barcelona after they put their recent struggles behind them with victory over Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals of the Supercopa de España.
The Blaugrana topped the LaLiga table after a brilliant start to the season.
However, a run of just one win in seven league games – including consecutive defeats to Leganes and Atletico Madrid – saw them relinquish top spot.
Nevertheless, they responded well after the mid-season break, putting six goals past Barbastro and Bilbao without reply, beating the latter 2-0 in Jeddah on Wednesday.
“I think we deserved it. Sometimes we didn't dominate as usual, but I'm happy,” he told reporters. “The aim was to reach the final and we are happy to have kept a clean sheet.
“We are a young team and we have a lot to learn. The style, the way we play, is what is important.
“We lost to Atletico [2-1]and it wasn't pretty. But we played a great match and after the break we beat Barbastro and Athletic by nil, and that is very important.”
Gavi and Lamine Yamal were on target for Flick's side, with the latter marking his return from injury with a fine goal in the second half.
“It's true that we suffered, especially at the end of the first half, but we managed to play very well and very happily,” Yamal said. “As long as the coach gives me the opportunity, I'm happy to help the team.”
“I was lucky to score the goal and provide the assist [for Yamal’s goal]Gavi added. 'But ultimately what matters is that we are in the final, and we have to win it.'
Partido muy serio, equipo. Tenemos el primer titulo a tiro One step away from the first title. See you Sunday! @FCBarcelona #SupercopaDeEspana pic.twitter.com/k6WGUFzFwu
— Pedri González (@Pedri) January 8, 2025
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