FC Barcelona returned to Catalonia with heavy hearts after an excruciating 4-3 loss, after extra time, to Inter Milan in the semi-final second leg of the UEFA Champions League.
Hansi Flick’s team came painfully close to reaching their first final in 10 years–it was only seconds that separated them from the final match.
Despite Hansi Flick granting a day off, five Barcelona stars showed their dedication by reporting to training ahead of the crucial Clasico, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
Now, following such an emotional and exhausting extra time, Barcelona won’t have time to think about the loss before facing their next challenge this weekend—a critical La Liga match against fierce rivals Real Madrid, where they will have a chance to add on to their lead at the top of the table.
In an inspiring show of dedication, five Barcelona players—Frenkie de Jong, Wojciech Szczesny, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, and Pedri—showed up to Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper for training, even though Flick let the squad take the day off.
Szczesny, De Jong, and Yamal all played the whole 120 minutes against Inter, while Torres was swapped out in 90 and Pedri sat out for 15 minutes.
Their decision to train reflects their desire to prepare for the upcoming El Clásico, a match that could determine the La Liga title race.
If holders with only three games remaining, a win against Real Madrid would see Barcelona put seven points between them at the top of the table, a commanding position to hold in the run-in to the title.
Conversely, if Barcelona were to lose, Carlo Ancelotti’s side would be one point behind them, elevating the pressure on Flick’s side.
Ultra-focusing from Barcelona in remaining games is essential for their squad unity and ultimately beating their rivals, as they seek to reclaim their La Liga title.
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