Barcelona secured the La Liga title on Thursday, defeating Espanyol 2-0. This victory solidified their position at the top of the table, creating an insurmountable seven-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid.
Having been title favorites for months, the team successfully coupled their La Liga triumph with the Copa del Rey, achieving their first double since the 2017-18 season. Their impressive dominance this campaign, which also saw them reach the UEFA Champions League semifinals, was far from anticipated at the season`s outset. Barcelona began the season amidst considerable uncertainty, grappling with both a change in management and ongoing financial difficulties. However, under Hansi Flick`s guidance, the team quickly found its rhythm, becoming exceptionally difficult to overcome throughout the campaign.
For much of the season, Barcelona overpowered their rivals, notably defeating Real Madrid in all four El Clasico encounters with a combined score of 16-7. While they were boosted by the remarkable emergence of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, Flick also extracted significant attacking output from players like a revitalized Robert Lewandowski and a standout Raphinha. Flick`s offensive tactical approach proved effective not only in overwhelming opponents but also in compensating for Barcelona`s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly a sometimes shaky backline.
As title celebrations commence in Barcelona, let`s examine the key factors behind their success this season.
Barcelona`s Attacking Prowess
Given Barcelona`s financial limitations, a summer of major, transformative signings was unlikely, even if they had pursued players like Dani Olmo, and especially after Real Madrid`s acquisition of Kylian Mbappe. However, Hansi Flick successfully maximized the potential of his squad by implementing an exciting and highly effective style of play.
Barcelona fully embraced a bold, attack-minded style, characterized by a high defensive line – a high-risk, high-reward approach that succeeded largely due to the firepower of their forward line, featuring Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Yamal. Their varied offensive tactics allowed numerous players to thrive, leading to a league-best 97 goals from 87.47 expected goals. By this point in the season, several Barcelona players had reached double-digit goal tallies, including Ferran Torres. Beyond individual contributions, the team also scored effectively from diverse situations, leading La Liga with 14 goals from set pieces, including eight from corners.
Flick also made important adjustments to the players behind the front line, tactical refinements that improved Barcelona`s winning margins, even if clean sheets were not always frequent. Frenkie de Jong became a consistent starter, offering greater defensive solidity. In goal, Iñaki Peña took over from first-choice keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen when the latter sustained a knee injury last autumn. While Peña`s performances were sometimes inconsistent, he held the fort during Ter Stegen`s absence.
Revitalizing Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski
Hansi Flick`s successful transformation of Barcelona into a title-winning side is particularly evident in the performances of two players: Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, with Raphinha being a prime example.
Raphinha, acquired from Leeds United in 2022 and at times viewed as symbolic of Barcelona`s challenges, underwent a significant transformation this season. The Brazil international successfully adapted from a traditional winger role to a more central attacking position, effectively playing as a second striker. Flick`s tactical decision paid considerable dividends, with Raphinha delivering a career-best season in terms of overall impact and attacking output.
Similarly, Robert Lewandowski, who seemed to be entering a period of decline last season, rediscovered form under his former Bayern Munich manager, Flick. The 36-year-old increased his attacking impact this campaign, becoming a more frequent and effective shooter. This tactical emphasis resulted in a better goal return compared to the previous season, demonstrating his resurgence under Flick`s system.
Lamine Yamal and the Youth Revolution
Perhaps the most straightforward aspect of managing the existing squad for Flick was integrating and providing opportunities to Barcelona`s latest crop of talented academy graduates. He had the fortune of inheriting a group that had already gained significant experience under his predecessor, Xavi Hernández, who, possibly due to the club`s financial constraints, had actively promoted the next generation of players.
Leading this wave of young talent is undoubtedly Lamine Yamal, who truly cemented his status as one of the game`s most promising future stars this season. The 17-year-old became a vital attacking presence, contributing significantly with goals and assists and showcasing remarkable creative ability. More than just his direct contributions, Yamal`s dynamic play and exceptional skill were fundamental to Barcelona`s offensive efforts. He demonstrated excellent passing, created highlight-reel moments, and showed impressive maturity under pressure in big games. In Yamal, Barcelona has secured a player who can potentially lead the team for the long term, providing a much-needed sense of stability following the financial challenges that emerged after Lionel Messi`s departure.
However, Yamal isn`t the sole young talent to make a significant impact this season. Several other academy graduates established themselves as regular starters, including Pau Cubarsí and Alejandro Balde in defense, and Gavi and Pedri in midfield. Similar to Yamal, these players are becoming dependable pillars of Barcelona`s evolving squad, offering a sense of optimism and potentially mitigating the impact of potential future restrictions in the transfer market.
