One Barcelona stat from the Elche clash that delighted Flick – Report | OneFootball

There has not been much to smile about for Hansi Flick and FC Barcelona since the beginning of the 2025/26 season. Injuries have prevented the Catalan club from playing their best football this campaign.

After being wounded in the Clásico against Real Madrid, Barcelona tasted victory against Elche, securing a 3-1 win over the newly-promoted side. It was not a vintage performance from a team that had less possession than their opponents.

Despite this, according to Mundo Deportivo, one aspect of Barcelona’s game against Elche made Flick very happy: the team’s desire to win the ball back high up the pitch and force dangerous turnovers.

This was a constant feature of Flick’s Barcelona last season, with the high press leading the way, but it has been nonexistent so far this campaign. Against Elche, however, the team managed to win the ball back 14 times in opposition territory.

Both of Barcelona’s first two goals were a result of this press. Alejandro Balde won the ball and set Lamine up for the first, while Fermin was at his infectious best, taking advantage of a slip to set Ferran up for the second.

Of course, these turnovers also happened because of Elche’s stubborn decision to play out from the back, but they would not have been possible without a coordinated Barcelona press. Flick will be happy with his team showing this desire and will want to ensure they continue to do more of the same in the games to come.