Flick Unfazed by Narrow Barcelona Win Despite Record 40 Attempts on Goal

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Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has insisted there is no cause for concern after his side managed just a single goal in their 1–0 victory over Mallorca on Tuesday, despite amassing an astonishing 40 attempts—equalling a LaLiga record for most shots in a match since at least 2003.

It was Dani Olmo who broke the deadlock early in the second half, securing three points for the Catalan giants in a match that saw them replicate Real Madrid’s 2011 feat of 40 shots in a fixture, then against Real Zaragoza.

The result widened Barça’s lead at the top of the league to seven points, although second-placed Real Madrid have a game in hand as they prepare to face Getafe on Wednesday. The two sides will then face off in the Copa del Rey final at the weekend.

“We had 40 shots—perhaps not all on target—but it was still 40,” Flick said with a sense of disbelief during his post-match press conference. “I was very pleased with our football today. We created a large number of opportunities. Admittedly, we failed to take many of them, but the clean sheet, the 1–0 result, and the way we adapted despite making several changes is something I genuinely value.”

Barcelona had looked wasteful in the first half, having fired 24 shots without finding the net. Olmo himself was denied by Mallorca’s stand-in goalkeeper Leo Román—who produced an outstanding display in his first start since January—finishing the evening with 12 saves. Gavi struck the woodwork, and Ronald Araújo squandered a glaring chance with the goal at his mercy.

Olmo, however, provided the breakthrough just 46 seconds into the second half, producing a composed finish to settle the nerves at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. He also became the fifth Barcelona player to reach double figures in goals this season, joining Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Ferran Torres.

“I always keep a positive mindset, so I never really imagined we’d lose the match,” Flick added, reflecting on his side’s lack of finishing. “For me, it was more important to dominate proceedings and limit any major errors.

“I’m satisfied with that. Sometimes, a narrow 1–0 win is exactly what’s needed. Defensively, we were more solid than we’ve been in recent outings. We’re definitely moving in the right direction.”

Flick used the fixture as an opportunity to rotate his squad ahead of Saturday’s cup final, opting to rest key players.

Pau Cubarsí, Frenkie de Jong, and Raphinha were all named among the substitutes, while Jules Koundé’s remarkable streak of 86 consecutive appearances for the club came to an end as he remained unused.

Among the changes, Ansu Fati was handed a rare start—his first since October and only his second in all competitions this campaign. Youngster Héctor Fort also featured in the starting line-up.

Fati played for just over an hour, registering four shots before being replaced by Raphinha. His involvement appeared to mark a positive step forward.

“I believe he’s made progress,” said Flick when asked about Fati’s performance. “You can clearly see his teammates and the supporters are behind him.

“Today was an important moment for him. It’ll serve to boost his confidence and reinforce his belief in himself. It was a good day for him—and for all of us.

“All of the players who stepped in today were fully integrated. They understand the way we want to play and executed it well. That cohesion throughout the squad is something I’m especially pleased with.”