Barcelona manager Hansi Flick praised the “wonderful” work of La Masia after academy graduates, particularly 18-year-old Pau Cubarsi, put in an impressive defensive performance to help secure a 2-0 win over Osasuna.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick heaped praise on the club’s famed youth academy, La Masia, after its graduates delivered a superb defensive display in a 2-0 victory over Osasuna.
The win, secured by a Raphinha second-half brace, extended Barcelona’s LaLiga lead to seven points. Flick’s primary focus was on his defense, which restricted Osasuna to only three shots on goal.
Three members of the back four—Gerard Martin, Alejandro Balde, and 18-year-old Pau Cubarsi—were all 23 or younger, and academy products.
Flick singled out the performance of the teenage defender, stating: “Playing at this level at 18 years old is brutal.” He also highlighted Eric Garcia’s “fantastic game” in midfield, who completed 93.8% of his passes.
Flick concluded his praise with a direct tribute to the youth setup, saying: “I have to congratulate La Masia for what they have done with the young players. It’s really wonderful.”
Despite noting his team “didn’t have great chances,” Flick was pleased with the three points, which marked Barcelona’s seventh consecutive LaLiga win by at least a two-goal margin.