Hansi Flick’s Barcelona is a team that refuses to lose

Barcelona has it all. Pure talent, style, and tactical excellence.

But none of those qualities are the reason they find themselves in first place in La Liga. It’s their unstoppable desire to win, above all else.

Going down 2-0 at the Metropolitano, with just 20 minutes to go, against the best defensive team in Spain, no one is giving Barcelona a chance to mount a remontada.

But this team is just different. And I have a feeling that Barcelona fans didn’t turn away after Alexander Sørloth put his goal away. There’s a feeling with this group, that no matter the challenge, they’re going to face it head on. It’s not over until it’s over.

Iñigo Martínez was largely responsible for the two goals that Atletico Madrid scored, in both cases, he wasn’t able to stay with his fellow defenders in setting the offside trap.

But what he did, just seconds after Atleti scored their second, was a man a mission, willing himself to rectify his errors, and get one back for his teammates.

A center back by trade, driving forward on the dribble, past several opponents, taking a risk, and playing in an unexpected, albeit perfect pass, to Robert Lewandowski in the box. A play so gutsy that it ignited a tsunami of momentum that carried Barcelona all the way to an impossible victory. One that they really had to have.

Barcelona are the best football team in the world at the moment.

They have world class talent, but all of the superstars park their egos at the door.

Lamine Yamal got the game winning goal, and the game-tying assist. But from the start of the game, he didn’t look a kid who was out to get his stats. Every decision he made was a decision that put the team in the best position it could be in to beat a very stubborn opponent.

Ditto for Pedri and Raphinha, neither of whom got on the scoresheet, but continue to do so much of the grunt work to keep the team performing at such a high level.

Hansi Flick’s Barcelona really has been a thrilling revelation. Truly inspiring to see what’s possible when a group stays focused on a mission, and fights for each other in pursuit of a common goal.

Who knows how this story ends up.

Regardless, what a journey it’s been.

Now, it’s time for a much-deserved break, even if, unfortunately, most of the Barcelona players will be away on international duty, putting in even more work.

When they come back to Barcelona, the season will reach its climax. And these players are showing that the pen is in their hand, and they are ready to write their own happy ending.

They’ve taken down Atletico Madrid.

Now, they’ll have May 11th circled on the calendar, the day Real Madrid comes to town. A day that could determine who’s crowned La Liga champions.

Barcelona have everything they need to make it to that date on top of the table, because they have each other.

What we saw against Atletico Madrid was no accident.

It was the natural consequence of going about the game in the right way, playing like a team, game after game, and making it a habit.

Barcelona is not slowing down.

They’re having too much fun. And as scary as it sounds, they’re still learning what they’re capable of.

A well-deserved comeback victory, in a comeback season no one saw coming.

Barcelona is simply the truth.

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