'It's been a privilege' – Barca boss Flick salutes departing Lewandowski

Hansi Flick says it has been "a privilege to work" with Robert Lewandowski, after the forward announced he would leave Barcelona at the end of the season.

The 37-year-old will depart the Camp Nou when his contract expires in June, having scored 119 goals in 191 appearances for the newly crowned LaLiga champions across all competitions.

Lewandowski joined Barca in 2022 and helped the Blaugrana with three LaLiga titles, the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana on three occasions.

The forward is also the club's second-leading marksman in LaLiga this season, despite starting just 15 league games, though Flick confirmed he will lead the line for Sunday's visit of fifth-place Real Betis.

"Lewandowski spoke to the squad and said his goodbyes," Flick told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

"It's been a great chapter for him and he made that very clear. For me, it's been a privilege to work with him because he's a true professional.

"He's a role model, which is why he's still performing at this level. Now, he wants a new challenge and we respect that. He's a great person, a great player and a fantastic example for the younger players.

"At Camp Nou, in front of our fans, he deserves a great farewell. He's always given everything. Watching the way he works is incredible.

"He's always been there in both the good moments and the difficult ones. His mentality has always been top-class.

"He's scored so many goals for us. We'll miss him a lot. Now, it's up to us to find a way to replace him in the future."

Barca can create history by becoming the first LaLiga side to win all 19 home matches during a 38-game season.

Flick wants his players to grasp the opportunity, but knows it will be difficult against a Betis side protecting a seven-match unbeaten run.

"It's a great chance for us, and we want to win every home game," he added. "It would be a reward for a fantastic, consistent team full of quality players. It won't be easy, but we want to win."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Barcelona – Ferran Torres

Torres has scored eight goals in 11 LaLiga appearances against Betis.

Across LaLiga and the Premier League, that is the forward's highest tally against any single opponent during his career.

Real Betis – Cucho Hernandez

Hernandez has scored three goals in Betis' last three matches, including the opener in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over Elche.

MATCH PREDICTION – BARCELONA WIN

Barca have won all 18 of their LaLiga home matches in 2025-26, and have the chance to become the first team to achieve a perfect home record in a 38-game season in the competition's history.

The previous instance of this occurring was Real Madrid during a 34-game campaign in 1985-86.

Barca have also won 20 of their 25 LaLiga meetings with Betis since the 2012-13 season (D3 L2), only beating Sevilla and Athletic Club (both 21) more often during that time.

The Blaugrana have scored in each of their last 30 home league games. If they score against Betis, it will be their best such run in the competition since a 34-game streak between February 2018 and December 2019.

Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini has lost 20 of his 29 LaLiga matches against Barcelona (W5 D4), his highest number of defeats against any single opponent during his managerial career across this competition and the Premier League.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Barcelona – 66.5%

Draw – 17.9%

Real Betis – 15.6%