Hansi Flick, FC Barcelona coach sent a warning to its players and asked them for more in Champions League midweek after a 3-1 La Liga win over Espanyol on Sunday.

The Catalans managed to take a nine-point lead over Real Madrid thanks to a brace from Dani Olmo and Raphinha also getting on the scoresheet in 31 minutes.

There was clearly a dip in the second half where Barca could have scored more goals in other matches, and Flick warned his men will have to be better against Red Star Belgrade in the UCL this week.

“We took three points and we won the derby, which is important. It’s true that in the second half we dropped the pace and we lost our concentration at certain moments, but these things happen. I accept because we won, but looking ahead to Wednesday (in the Champions League), we will have to be stronger and raise the level,” Flick said after the match.

That aside, the German praised his men for having “a great season”, with the first half reflecting great form which has seen Barca recently claim resounding victories against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

He admitted that “in the second half, with the changes, I looked to control more in midfield”, which did not always work as Espanyol were allowed to score a consolation while also having efforts that beat Inaki Pena offside.

Dani Olmo returning from injury and scoring a brace to make it five goals in five outings for his boyhood club as a professional was a highlight, however.

Flick said Olmo “still needs match rhythm but his return to the team has been great and we are very happy with him.”

Inigo Martinez was described as “a real leader who does a lot for the team”, while Marc Casado, who provided a Pedri-style assist to Raphinha over the Espanyol backline, “improved a lot in recent months.” and he plays brilliantly.”

“We have a great team, I’m really happy and it shows. I have great confidence in the team”, concluded Flick, with another difficult trip to Real Sociedad, next championship after Red Star of Belgrade on the continent.