Hansi Flick gives his verdict on Barcelona’s narrow win over Rayo Vallecano

‘We can do better’

Hansi Flick was a happy man after seeing his Barcelona team beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 to move top of the table in Spain.

A tough game was won by a single goal from the penalty spot by Robert Lewandowski after Inigo Martinez had been hauled to the ground.

Flick admitted it wasn’t his team’s best performance but knows it’s a great result against difficult opposition.

“It was a very difficult match against a great rival. We are very happy,” he told the media.

“The players are very happy. We all are happy with the situation. I think we played very well today but we can also do better.

“They have gone nine games without losing and I think today was a great success for us. Getting that first place is positive for the fans. Now we are back and we are very happy.”

Rayo did have a goal chalked off in the second half and Flick was asked about the incident but did not want to get into it.

“I haven’t seen the situation of the disallowed goal. I think we have VAR and I believe in VAR. That’s all I can say about controversial plays,” he added.

“No, it’s part of football, it’s something that happens and we leave it there.”

The result means that Barcelona lead the table on goal difference from Real Madrid, with Atletico Madrid just one point behind,