Watch: Flick makes telling gesture towards Lewandowski after leaving him on the bench against Betis | Barca Universal

"Barcelona's thrilling 5-3 comeback win over Real Betis may have belonged to the scorers on the pitch, but one of the most intriguing storylines unfolded quietly on the sidelines. Robert Lewandowski did not play a single minute, watching the entire spectacle from the bench as Barça once again pulled off a dramatic victory under Hansi Flick. For a brief moment in the closing stages, it appeared that the Polish striker would finally be unleashed. Lewandowski was fully prepared to enter the pitch as Barcelona looked to manage the final stretch of the game. However, everything changed when Eric Garcia picked up a minor physical issue, forcing Flick to rethink his substitution plans on the spot."

"The German coach opted instead to introduce Jofre Torrents, shelving Lewandowski's appearance at the last second. Flick's gesture towards Lewandowski pic.twitter.com/1ZQiI7z66x- pogihox (@pogihox28859) December 6, 2025 What followed on the bench perfectly captured the spirit inside the squad. Flick approached Lewandowski, gave him a light tap on the stomach and informed him he would remain seated. The striker reacted with a smile and the two even shared a joke, underlining the strong relationship and mutual trust that now exists between player and coach. There was no frustration, no visible tension - only understanding."

"This decision was far from random. Lewandowski had started five consecutive matches before the Betis clash, carrying a heavy physical load. Yet the situation is far from straightforward. Lewandowski is expected to push for an immediate return against Eintracht Frankfurt, but the script has suddenly changed thanks to Ferran Torres' spectacular hat-trick against Betis. The Spaniard's explosive performance has thrown the striker hierarchy into flux and handed Flick one of his toughest selection calls since taking charge."

Barcelona won 5-3 over Real Betis while Robert Lewandowski watched the match from the bench and did not play. Lewandowski was ready to come on late, but a minor issue for Eric Garcia forced Hansi Flick to bring on Jofre Torrents instead. Flick calmly informed Lewandowski he would stay seated, shared a light tap and a joke, and demonstrated a trusting relationship. Lewandowski had started five consecutive matches and carried a heavy physical load. Lewandowski is expected to push for a return versus Eintracht Frankfurt, but Ferran Torres' hat-trick complicates striker selection.

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