One of the worst Barcelona players in the Benfica match surprises Hansi Flick and apologizes to his teammates in the dressing room immediately after the match

Barcelona’s hard-fought victory over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League round of sixteen was a significant milestone in their European campaign. The win at the Estádio da Luz put Hansi Flick’s men in a commanding position ahead of the second leg. However, the match was not without its challenges, as an early red card threatened to derail their efforts.

One of the game’s most talked-about moments was the sending-off of young Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí. The 18-year-old, who has been one of the club’s brightest prospects, saw red just 20 minutes into the first half after a reckless challenge. This meant that Barcelona had to play the remainder of the game with ten men, making their 1-0 victory even more impressive.

Despite being reduced in numbers, the Blaugrana showed immense resilience, with Rafinha Diaz scoring the decisive goal. Wojciech Szczęsny, the team’s first-choice goalkeeper, also played a crucial role, making several key saves to keep Benfica at bay. The Polish shot-stopper once again proved why he is trusted between the posts.

Following the final whistle, Cubarsí was seen heading straight to the dressing room, where he reportedly apologized to his teammates for his costly mistake. According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, the young defender was visibly emotional as he acknowledged his error and took full responsibility for putting the team in a difficult position.

Hansi Flick, known for his ability to nurture young talent, was quick to console Cubarsí and reassured him that mistakes are part of a footballer’s growth. The German coach emphasized that the experience would serve as an important lesson and encouraged him to use it as motivation to improve in future matches.

The Barcelona squad also rallied around Cubarsí, showing their support and understanding. Senior players, including club captain Ilkay Gündoğan, reportedly told the youngster that such setbacks are part of the game and that he should not dwell on it too much. They reminded him that the most important thing was learning from the incident and moving forward.

Cubarsí’s performance prior to the red card had been solid, and his overall contributions this season have not gone unnoticed. With over 50 senior appearances for Barcelona at just 18 years old, he has shown maturity beyond his years. However, this incident serves as a reminder that even the most promising talents have areas to refine.

Barcelona’s unbeaten run in 2025 remains intact, and they now turn their focus to the second leg at the Camp Nou. With a one-goal advantage, Flick’s men will be confident of progressing to the quarter-finals, but they will also be wary of Benfica’s threat. The Portuguese side has been in fine form, and they will be looking to capitalize on any weaknesses.

While Cubarsí will miss the return leg due to suspension, he has vowed to come back stronger. His apology in the dressing room was well received, and it further highlights the positive atmosphere within the squad under Flick’s management.

The young defender’s commitment to improvement has been evident in his training sessions. Reports suggest that he has already sought advice from defensive stalwarts like Andreas Christensen and Jules Koundé on how to avoid similar mistakes in the future.

Hansi Flick continues to believe in the potential of his squad, and this latest victory reinforces the team’s growing resilience. With key players stepping up and a unified dressing room, Barcelona remains on course for a deep run in the Champions League this season.

The support shown for Cubarsí reflects the unity within the team, a crucial factor as Barcelona aims for success both domestically and in Europe. With Flick at the helm, the club is building a squad capable of challenging the continent’s best teams.

As the second leg approaches, the focus will be on maintaining discipline and composure. The lesson learned from this match will undoubtedly serve as motivation for Barcelona’s young stars, including Cubarsí, as they continue to develop their skills on the biggest stage.

For now, the victory against Benfica stands as a testament to Barcelona’s fighting spirit. The road to European glory is never easy, but with performances like this, Flick and his players are proving they are ready for any challenge that comes their way.