Hansi Flick took the positives from Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Real Betis on Saturday despite his side failing to take full advantage of Real Madrid’s slip-up in the LaLiga title race.
Barca had the chance to go six points clear at the top after Madrid were stunned in a 2-1 home defeat to Valencia.
But Flick’s men had to settle for a share of the spoils at the Olympic Stadium, Gavi’s seventh-minute opener cancelled out 10 minutes later by Natan.
It means Barca have a four-point lead at the summit and have the advantage of having thrashed Madrid 4-0 in the first Clasico of the season back in October.
And Flick was keen to focus on Barca’s dominant performance, rather than them missing out on putting the title race almost beyond doubt.
“We tried everything to win, but we couldn’t do it,” Flick said. “We were unlucky in front of goal, but… we played a good game.
“On days like today, when you don’t manage to score, you have to accept it and see it from a positive perspective. I’m left with the fact that we tried everything and dominated the game.
“We can be proud of what the players have done these last few games. We are in the [Copa del Rey] final and, despite a draw, we have extended our lead on top. I’m happy, it’s a fantastic situation.”
Not every member of the Barca camp shared Flick’s outlook after the game, however, with Raphinha seen shouting at an assistant referee following the full-time whistle.
Flick unsuccessfully tried to calm Raphinha down and was shoved aside by the Brazil winger, who then did similar to Marc-Andre ter Stegen as he walked down the tunnel.
Asked about the incident with Raphinha, Flick was a little diplomatic with the truth.
“He was angry with me, not with the referee, he was yelling at me,” Flick said.
Barca host Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday before visiting Leganes in LaLiga on Saturday.
