Barcelona has had the wind in its sails in recent weeks, but it's far from there yet. That was the message from coach Hansi Flick after Sunday's convincing 1-4 victory over Sevilla.
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Barcelona was leading comfortably in Spain, dominating much of the early part of the season. However, a weak end to 2024 saw the team struggle to maintain its momentum, leading to a drop in the standings.
A string of disappointing results, including unexpected draws and losses against mid-table teams, allowed Real Madrid and Girona to overtake them in the title race. Injuries to key players, inconsistency in performances, and defensive lapses contributed to a frustrating period for the Catalan giants, raising doubts about their ability to challenge for La Liga. However, in recent weeks, there has been a significant turnaround. The team has rediscovered its form, stringing together a series of dominant performances that have reignited their title ambitions. Barcelona’s recent resurgence has been fueled by improved defensive stability, better finishing in front of goal, and a renewed sense of urgency within the squad. The gap to Real Madrid, which had grown to seven points at one stage, has now been reduced to just two.
Head coach Hansi Flick emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and not getting carried away despite the positive momentum. He highlighted that Barcelona was in a much worse situation just a week ago and that the team’s mentality and work ethic had allowed them to close the gap. Flick stressed that his players should only concentrate on themselves and not worry about their rivals, as winning their own matches would naturally keep them in contention. The German coach has been credited with bringing tactical discipline and a winning mentality back to the squad, something that had been missing during their struggles at the end of 2024. His emphasis on pressing high, controlling possession, and maintaining defensive organization has been evident in Barcelona’s recent matches, where they have looked far more composed and dominant.
Gavi, one of the team’s key figures in midfield, echoed his coach’s sentiments, acknowledging that the title race is far from over. The young midfielder pointed out that La Liga is a long and grueling competition, and while many people thought Barcelona had fallen out of the race, the team never lost belief. He stressed that their only option now is to win every remaining match to maximize their chances of lifting the trophy at the end of the season. His energy and intensity in midfield have been crucial in Barcelona’s resurgence, with his pressing and ability to break opposition lines playing a key role in their improved performances.
Defender Iñigo Martínez, who has played a crucial role in strengthening Barcelona’s backline in recent weeks, also stressed the significance of the latest victory. He acknowledged that the team had to win to stay in the title fight and that their performance showed that Barcelona is still very much alive in the race. Martínez, alongside Ronald Araújo, has provided defensive solidity, helping the team concede fewer goals and maintain better organization at the back. Their presence has been vital in allowing Barcelona to control games more effectively and prevent opponents from creating as many chances.
According to Spanish media, one thing is certain: Barcelona is back in the title race. AS summed up the team’s resurgence with the headline "Step aside, Barça is back!", emphasizing that the Catalan club has sent a clear message to its rivals at the start of 2025. The statistics further reinforce this claim, with Flick’s team having won nine matches, drawn twice, and lost none in their recent run, scoring 41 goals and conceding just 12. These numbers highlight just how dominant Barcelona has been in recent weeks, and the fact that they now have control over their own destiny in La Liga speaks volumes about their turnaround.
That dominance was evident once again in Sunday’s match against Sevilla, where Barcelona secured a convincing 1-4 victory. From the opening whistle, Flick’s men dictated the tempo, pressing high and forcing Sevilla into mistakes. The team’s attacking play was fluid, with Robert Lewandowski leading the charge, while João Félix and Lamine Yamal provided width and creativity. The midfield, anchored by Frenkie de Jong and Ilkay Gündogan, controlled possession and dictated the rhythm of the game. Barcelona took the lead early, with Lewandowski converting a well-worked move in the opening minutes. Sevilla responded with a brief spell of pressure but was unable to break down Barcelona’s organized defense. Before halftime, Yamal doubled the advantage with a stunning strike from outside the box, showcasing his immense talent. The second half saw Barcelona extend their lead even further, with goals from João Cancelo and Gündogan sealing an emphatic victory. Sevilla managed to pull one back late in the game, but it was nothing more than a consolation.
Frenkie de Jong’s performance against Sevilla sparked mixed reactions from Spanish media. While some outlets praised his contribution, others were more critical of his display. According to El País, the Dutch midfielder played a solid game and was preferred over Marc Casadó in the starting lineup. He was given the nod by Flick, and while he didn’t have a standout performance, he controlled possession well and helped maintain Barcelona’s shape in midfield. AS had a more measured take, stating that De Jong had a decent performance without much to highlight. He started strong but faded as the match progressed, but despite this, he still showed his ability in ball recoveries and controlled play in crucial moments. Mundo Deportivo, however, was more critical, giving De Jong a failing grade. The newspaper pointed out that while De Jong’s ball control and passing remained impressive, his lack of dynamism and movement slowed down Barcelona’s transitions in key moments. The report argued that while Flick trusted him with another start, the Dutchman did not fully capitalize on the opportunity, as his game lacked the speed and intensity that Barcelona needed to break Sevilla down more effectively.
With their recent resurgence, Barcelona has firmly reinserted itself into the title conversation. Real Madrid, still leading the table, remains the biggest obstacle in their path, but Barcelona’s momentum suggests they are well-positioned to mount a serious challenge. The team has improved significantly in all areas, with Flick’s tactical adjustments proving effective. The defensive unit, led by Araújo and Martínez, has tightened up, while the midfield has found a better balance between control and creativity. Up front, Lewandowski’s return to goal-scoring form has provided a significant boost. With crucial matches coming up, including a potential title-decider against Real Madrid in the second half of the season, Barcelona will need to maintain their current level of performance. Flick has instilled a renewed sense of belief within the squad, and the players seem determined to fight until the very end.
As Barcelona continues its pursuit of La Liga glory, the message is clear: they are far from finished. The weak end to 2024 is now a distant memory, and if the team continues on this trajectory, they may very well lift the league trophy at the end of the season.
