Hansi Flick's greatest joy speaks Catalan: the hot notes from Barça - Villarreal

BarcelonaBarça, with Marc Bernal commanding the midfield and an excellent Lamine Yamal in front of goal, It adds a renowned victory (4-1) against Villarreal. Here are four notes from the match.

Leader's triumph. The match against Valencia, third in the standings and the third-highest scoring team in the league, was a demanding test for a Barça side that has been without Frenkie de Jong for a month and a half and still can't count on Pedri from the start. Villarreal's visit meant facing a tough opponent – ​​the Yellow Submarine had won three of their last four trips to Barcelona – and there was no room for complacency. Despite playing with a very attacking midfield, with Fermín López and Dani Olmo alongside Marc Bernal, Barça managed to control the game and avoid being overly exposed in the back, with Joan Garcia alert when needed. With a strong first half, Barça celebrates a victory that secures their lead for another week.

Flick's little doll with eyesTo compensate for the aforementioned absences of key players in midfield, the German coach once again placed his trust in Bernal. The player from Berga started two consecutive matches for the first time since suffering a serious knee injury. After playing a solid 60 minutes against Levante – and opening the scoring with his second goal of the season – he added another hour of playing time at a high level against Villarreal, a much tougher opponent. Agile in his passing (53 successful passes out of 59 attempts), always in the right position, and composed in his decision-making, he is contributing to the team's success as they face the most crucial stretch of the season. Flick asked him in January not to leave for Girona, urging him to be patient and promising him playing time. He is keeping his word, and Bernal is responding with good football.

Lamine answers ThebesThe headlines – and well-deservedly so – are being filled by Lamine Yamal. Immersed in Ramadan, which he is observing for the second consecutive season due to the influence of his paternal grandmother, Fatima, he is having to play at the worst possible time because of the fast. which should follow: at 4:15 p.m. Although he adapted his diet and training several weeks ago to perform during Ramadan – from February 17th to March 19th – abstaining from food during daylight hours directly impacts elite athletes. In the case of footballers, the resulting schedules and temperatures are key factors. Fortunately, it hasn't been particularly hot, and Lamine Yamal has responded to Javier Tebas's schedule with his first goal. hat trick, much celebrated by the fans.

The importance of Fermín. In a Camp Nou with fewer foreign fans than against Levante – and therefore a bit more lively – the biggest ovations went to Pedri – who provided the assist for the third goal and played a part in Lewandowski's goal within half an hour of play – Lamine, Bernal, and Raphinha. But a key figure for this Barça is also Fermín. He always gives his all. He won back possession and provided the assist for the first goal, breaking the deadlock. A perfect example of integration –he arrived at La Masia at the age of 13 and understands and speaks Catalan fluently–, He has an inspiring story: he was never one of the youth players singled out, he even had to go and earn his keep at Linares when he had no place in the reserve team, but Xavi trusted him and with Flick he has also found his place.