Soccer
Hansi Flick has called upon Barcelona’s fringe players to continue to step up in the absence of some of his first-team stars following their comfortable 3-0 win over Getafe.
Barcelona made it three wins from three in all competitions to move two points behind leaders Real Madrid in LaLiga as Ferran Torres’ brace led them to victory on Sunday.
Dani Olmo also played his part with a goal and an assist at Estadi Johan Cruyff, building on their impressive Champions League win over Newcastle United in midweek.
Flick opted to change up his attack after their midweek win, with Marcus Rashford, who scored twice at St. James’ Park, replaced by Torres, while Lamine Yamal was still out injured.
Torres repaid his manager’s faith, with his first-half double taking him to 23 goals in 51 appearances under Flick. Indeed, only under Xavi (25 goals in 113 appearances) has he scored more times under the same manager in his club career,
And having assisted Torres’ opener, Olmo registered a goal and an assist in the same game for the first time in his Barcelona career, doing so in 45 matches.
Torres is not a regular starter, especially with Robert Lewandowski back fit, and Flick wants a united front across his squad to build on last year’s success.
“It’s very important to have players in top form. We have matches every three or four days, so it’s great that our players are performing at a high level,” Flick said.
“We have 25-27 players and we need everyone. The most important thing for me is that each player gives their best for the team’s benefit, and Dani Olmo did that today.
“That’s what we will expect from him throughout the season. Every player in the team is important, and I’m happy to have attackers of this level, they help us a lot.”
23 – Ferran Torres has scored 23 goals in 51 matches for Hans-Dieter Flick’s Barcelona across all competitions. Only under Xavi Hernández (25 goals in 113 apps) has he scored more goals under the same manager in his club career (Josep Guardiola, 16 in 43). Update. https://t.co/uxSDCKyRXr
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) September 21, 2025
Barcelona’s midweek hero Rashford was a surprise omission from the starting XI, having scored twice against Newcastle.
However, it has been reported that the England international was dropped to the bench after turning up to a pre-match meeting late, but did make an impact on the pitch.
Rashford replaced Raphinha at half-time, with Flick detailing the reasoning behind that decision, saying: “It’s normal, we have a game every three or four days.
“This is what has happened with Fermin, so we have to be careful with it.
“Today I decided to substitute Raphinha at half-time for the same reason and because he had a yellow card. We don’t want to lose him for the next game.”
The only negative from the victory was an injury to Fermin Lopez, with the Spaniard seen receiving medical treatment after the match with an apparent groin injury.
“We have to wait until tomorrow for Fermin. Nothing is known yet,” Flick concluded.
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