Valencia Vs Barcelona, Hansi Flick's Momentary Satisfaction

VALENCIA, FRIDAY – Often struggling to score goals against opponents with a low defensive line, Barcelona finally overcame this obstacle. "Blaugrana" won decisively 5-0 against Valencia, who played defensively at Mestalla Stadium, in the quarter-finals of the King's Cup, on Friday (7/2/2025) early morning WIB. Hansi Flick expressed satisfaction with his players' performance, who were able to score many goals against opponents with a low defensive line.

"I am very happy for this team. We created many opportunities and took advantage of them. This is the style of play we want to implement, with a hunger to score goals at all times. When we play at this speed, with these young players, we always strive to score as many goals as possible," said Flick in a press conference after the match.

It is understandable why Flick was very impressed with his team's big win at Valencia's headquarters. Under Flick, Barca has transformed into a goal-hungry team even though they no longer emphasize ball possession as their original identity. However, on several occasions, Barca has struggled to score goals against opponents with low defensive lines.

This was evident when Barca failed to secure full points against Getafe. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. Barca, who dominated the course of the game, failed to score many goals due to Getafe's ultra-defensive approach. Flick has also admitted that one of the weaknesses of his team's attacking line is not yet finding a formula to face opponents with a low defensive line.

Therefore, it is very understandable why Flick looked very satisfied after Barca defeated Valencia with many goals. He feels he has found a way to break down the opponent's low defensive line. However, Flick's satisfaction is very likely to be temporary or momentary.

Flick is prone to getting caught up in false excitement. Valencia is currently not an ideal opponent to test the effectiveness of Barca's attacking line. The team coached by Carlos Corberan is in a negative trend this season after conceding 37 goals, thus being trapped in the relegation zone.

In addition, Corberan seems to intentionally forgo the Spanish King's Cup as long as he can avoid relegation from the Spanish League. Corberan rested several key players such as Hugo Duro and Javi Guerra. By fielding substitute players, Corberan hopes his key players will be fit when facing Leganes in the continuation of the Spanish League.

For Valencia, the match against Leganes is much more urgent to win than the Spanish King's Cup. By beating Leganes, Valencia's chances of getting out of the relegation zone will be more open.

“More than just rotation, we are clear about the resources available. I have a squad of 22 outfield players, plus a goalkeeper. I will use those players depending on how they perform in games and how urgent our next game is,” Corberan said.

Corberan seems not to want to push himself too hard against Barca this time. In the last meeting two weeks ago, Valencia who appeared with the main squad also lost badly, 1-7, to Barca. If with the main squad the result is the same, Corberan feels the match against Leganes is important to prioritize. There is nothing more important than staying in the league for Valencia.

The final result of the match was predictable considering the disparity in team quality. Despite implementing a low defensive line with a 5-4-1 formation, Valencia's defense was still very easy for Barca players to penetrate. Valencia academy graduate Ferran Torres even brought Barca ahead when the match had only been going on for three minutes.

It's all thanks to the players and the team. We are in a difficult phase of the schedule and everyone has to show their best version.

Valencia's low defensive line did not really test the sharpness of Barca's attacking line. Valencia's defensive organization was very bad. It was seen when Valencia's defenders were often confused in predicting Ferra, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Fermin Lopez who diligently appeared from behind to welcome long passes.

Ferran became the star of Barca's victory after scoring a hattrick in this match. Barca's other two goals were scored by Fermin and Yamal. This match felt special for Ferran who had the opportunity to face his old club again. He was happy to score his second hattrick while strengthening Barca.

"It's all thanks to the players and the team. We are in a difficult phase of the schedule and everyone has to show their best version. They did. We entered the field very well from the start," said Ferran.

The victory also brought Barca through to the semifinals. Barca follows Real Madrid, Real Sociedad, and Atletico Madrid who have already qualified. Barca's opponents will be determined through a draw that will take place on February 12 Spanish time. (REUTERS)