Villarreal were firmly in contention at 2-1 early in the second half after Pape Gueye struck four minutes after the restart. The goal handed the visitors belief and momentum, putting the hosts under pressure despite their early advantage.
However, Comesana pointed to Flick's introduction of Pedri as the tactical turning point, suggesting the midfielder's presence restored Barcelona's control and composure.
"Pedri calmed everything down, he took the ball away from us. With Pedri the match stopped being back and forth," said Comesana, via MD.
"Barca had much longer possessions, they did not run after the ball. He filters the pass for the third goal that breaks three defensive lines, and there we give up a little. We tried but we no longer had conviction."
Ultimately, Barcelona ran out 4-1 winners, inspired by a scintillating display from Lamine Yamal. The teenager netted his first career hat-trick, repeatedly unsettling the Villarreal defence with his direct running and sharp finishing.
Barcelona were eliminated from the Copa del Rey at the semi-final stage despite winning the second leg at Camp Nou, as Atletico Madrid progressed with a 4-3 aggregate victory.
Joan Laporta's leadership at Barcelona is solidifying as internal support for the president has reportedly strengthened among the club's players.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has made it clear his players must believe in themselves and "make the impossible possible" as they prepared to face Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi‑final on Tuesday night.
Barcelona were the biggest winner in Saturday's exciting La Liga action in a day where no fixture ended goalless with crucial points collected at both ends of the league table.
