Barcelona closed out the season on Sunday night with a dominant win over Athletic Club at San Mamés — the perfect ending to a campaign that, while not flawless, was nothing short of outstanding. The only missing piece? The Champions League. As Hansi Flick made clear in his post-match press conference, that will be the club’s main objective next season.
“Hopefully we can lift that title next year. That will be the goal,” said the German coach.
When asked to grade his team’s season, Flick gave them “between an 8 and a 10” — a near-perfect score.
And rightfully so. Barcelona broke records, dominated in every competition they entered, and captured three major trophies: LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup — led by an explosive attack, the brilliance of Pedri, and a rock-solid run of form from Szczęsny.
The keys to Barça’s success
The arrival of Hansi Flick
The biggest turning point came last summer when Flick took over from Xavi Hernández after a disappointing campaign. The German brought discipline, vision, and clarity — and quickly won over the dressing room. His tactical blueprint for Barça was executed almost perfectly.
Reviving underperforming stars
Players like Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong, once written off, were revitalized under Flick. Their transformation became a driving force in the team’s success and gave the squad much-needed depth and balance.
An unstoppable front line
Barça’s greatest weapon this season was their scoring power. The LRL trio — Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Lewandowski — was responsible for more than half of the club’s total goals. Add to that the contributions from Ferran Torres and Fermín López, and the team proved deadly from all angles.
La Masia’s crucial role
In a season shaped by financial constraints, Barça turned to La Masia, their youth academy. And it paid off. Several homegrown players stepped up, earning Flick’s trust and becoming regular starters. Pau Cubarsí, Gavi, Fermín, Casadó, and others carried the club’s DNA and delivered when it mattered.
The rise of Lamine Yamal
No player better embodied the Barça philosophy than Lamine Yamal. The young winger exploded this season with goals, assists, and breathtaking dribbles. Trusted by Flick and given consistent starts, Yamal has quickly become a serious Ballon d’Or candidate and a nightmare for defenders across Europe.
Team unity above all
Despite having a strong core XI, Flick made sure the team stayed cohesive. When injuries hit, the “B team” delivered at the highest level. That strength in depth has led the club to prioritize keeping the current group intact with renewals over chasing new signings.
Flick’s first year: a dream start
It’s fair to say Flick has “come, seen, and conquered.” In just one year, he’s claimed three major titles and earned the full confidence of the board, who extended his contract until 2027.
Now, the question is: Was this just the beginning of a new era at Barcelona — or a one-season wonder?