After a heartbreaking defeat by Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-finals, there was a very real possibility of Barcelona’s season falling apart.
In recent seasons, perhaps it would. Downgrading a potential treble to a solitary cup triumph would have been on brand not so long ago, given the club’s struggles on and off the pitch in recent years.
But this is a new Barcelona.
After falling 2-0 behind in Sunday’s Clasico against arch-rivals Real Madrid – the third time in four matches they have done that – Barcelona roared back to lead 4-2 at half-time, 4-3 by the end.
After surviving some late Madrid pressure, Barcelona know victory against Espanyol on Thursday will secure a 28th league crown. Defeat for Madrid against Mallorca on Wednesday would do the job for them.
Four Clasico victories in the same season – only the second time that has ever happened – highlights the marvelous job Hansi Flick has done since replacing Xavi as manager last summer.
A team who not too long ago lacked identity and belief now have both in abundance, even if they don’t do things the easy way.
With young players including Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Pau Cubarsi enjoying stellar campaigns, the Blaugrana look well equipped to fight on all fronts for years to come.
After a quite opening period on Sunday, Flick’s attack picked Madrid apart with their relentless pressing and ruthless finishing.
Defence remains a concern, and despite his loyalty to a high-line system, Flick pledged to work on it.
“I think this journey that we started last year, it’s not over – I know that we have to improve a lot in defence,” he said.
“It has nothing to do with the back four. When we make mistakes, Real have fantastic offensive players.”
Speaking to Movistar Plus, Yamal said: “It was obviously very important to win today. It’s great to have this game after the Champions League, I think it’s already forgotten.
“Suffering is what makes you strong and what teaches you to correct the mistakes you make.
“It’s been a difficult year; we haven’t been able to be in our stadium… In the end, I told my mother, the Champions League is every year. We’ll keep trying.
“It was very important to win today to get closer to the league title. We are delighted.”
Victory means Barcelona have a seven-point advantage over second-placed Real Madrid with three games remaining. They are almost there.
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