Barcelona are on the cusp of a defining moment in their season as they prepare for tonight’s high-stakes Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter Milan at San Siro.
With manager Hansi Flick leading a resurgence in both La Liga and Europe, the Catalan giants remain firmly in the hunt for a historic treble, having already claimed the Spanish Super Cup and with a Copa del Rey final on the horizon.
The first leg ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuic, setting the stage for what promises to be a nail-biting clash in Italy.
Flick has spoken openly about the mental and physical strength his side must show against an experienced Inter team, who remain unbeaten at home in the Champions League this season.
Barcelona’s medical team have given a late green light to key midfielder Pedri, while Robert Lewandowski is expected to lead the line as the Blaugrana look to reach their first Champions League final since 2015.
But beyond the sporting glory lies a serious financial incentive that cannot be ignored.
Reports from Mundo Deportivo, UEFA have allocated €18.5 million to each of this year’s Champions League finalists – a prize that could provide vital breathing room for Barcelona amid their ongoing financial restructuring.
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Club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco are under increasing pressure to balance the books before the summer window, and an injection of nearly €20 million would be a welcome relief in the midst of tight salary caps and ongoing debt repayments.
While the dream of lifting a sixth Champions League trophy is the primary motivation for the players and fans, the added financial boost further raises the stakes for one of the most important nights in Barcelona’s recent history.
With either PSG or Arsenal lying in wait in Munich, Barcelona know that victory tonight would not only put them on the brink of European glory – but hand them a lifeline off the pitch as well.
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