‘A crazy game’ – Hansi Flick reacts to Barcelona’s 7-2 Champions League win over Newcastle

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick hailed a “crazy game” after his side overwhelmed Newcastle United 7-2 at Camp Nou to seal passage into the Champions League quarter-finals. The rout was sealed in a breathless tie that saw the Catalans twice surrender the lead during an open first half before a penalty on the stroke of half-time nudged them ahead for good.

Flick, who summoned a 23-man squad for the occasion, admitted his players were far from flawless early on. “We weren’t sharp in the first half,” he said. “We played too many direct balls in attack and lost possession too often. This opponent has a lot of speed and is very good in transition.”

The tactical tweak at the interval paid dividends. Barcelona dominated territory and tempo after the restart, turning a slender advantage into a statement victory. “We were able to control the ball,” Flick noted. “The third goal gave us the chance to get back into the game. We talked about controlling them more in the second half and playing better in that low block.”

With the comprehensive win, Barcelona now await a likely quarter-final showdown with Atlético Madrid, who carry a 5-2 lead into the second leg of their tie against Tottenham. For Flick and his buoyant squad, an unforgettable night under the Camp Nou lights has set the stage for another chapter in their European ambitions.