'I Don’t Decide': Hansi Flick Explains Barcelona Penalty Decision as Lamine Yamal Matches Messi Record
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has explained how the club determines its penalty taker after Lamine Yamal unexpectedly stepped up ahead of Raphinha during Barcelona’s 4-2 victory over Levante on Sunday.
Hansi Flick explains Barcelona’s penalty process after Lamine Yamal scores against Levante and matches a Lionel Messi record.
The decision came during an entertaining contest at the Estadi Ciutat de València, where Yamal’s successful spot-kick added another major moment to an impressive individual performance.
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Yamal Takes Penalty Ahead of Raphinha
Barcelona started strongly, with Xavi Espart opening the scoring in the fifth minute before Yamal extended the advantage.
Early in the second half, Barcelona were awarded a penalty. Raphinha was widely expected to take the spot-kick, but it was Yamal who took responsibility from 12 yards.
The decision immediately attracted attention from supporters and reporters, particularly because Raphinha had been expected to assume penalty duties.
Yamal remained composed and converted the opportunity, adding to his impressive contribution during Barcelona’s 4-2 victory.
Flick Reveals Who Decides Barcelona’s Penalties
Following the match, Flick was asked about the club’s penalty-taking hierarchy and why Yamal had taken the penalty instead of Raphinha.
The Barcelona manager made it clear that the final decision is not solely his responsibility. Instead, the coaching staff and players are involved in the process.
Flick stated: "I don't decide who takes the penalty; the staff decides. Whoever feels ready to take it, does it."
The explanation highlights the level of trust given to Barcelona’s players when deciding who is prepared to take responsibility during high-pressure moments.
Yamal Matches Messi’s Remarkable Record
Yamal’s successful penalty was also significant because it contributed to another milestone in his young Barcelona career.
The forward completed his third consecutive brace in La Liga. As a result, he became only the second Barcelona player in the 21st century to record three braces across the opening five league matches of a season.
That achievement puts Yamal alongside Lionel Messi, who accomplished the same feat during the 2012/13 campaign.
Yamal has now scored six domestic goals this season, placing him level with Raphinha, Kylian Mbappe and Sergio Camello at the top of the scoring charts.
His goals have also contributed to Barcelona’s impressive attacking start, with the Catalan side reaching 20 league goals across their first five matches.
Barcelona Maintain Perfect Domestic Start
Barcelona ultimately secured a 4-2 victory after surviving a late fightback from Levante. Karim Adeyemi then sealed the win with a stoppage-time goal.
The result leaves Flick’s team at the top of the table with 15 points from five matches, maintaining their flawless domestic record.
Barcelona will now aim to continue that momentum when they host Racing on Wednesday night. They will then travel to face Sevilla on Saturday.
