Barcelona's Flick requires a display of intense determination in the crucial El Clásico league game
Rewritten Article:
Having suffered a gut-wrenching extra-time loss to Inter Milan in the Champions League semis, Bayern Munich, now led by Hansi Flick, find themselves in a precarious position, with their season on the brink. Barcelona, who reign supreme following victories over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup finals, hold a four-point lead atop the La Liga table with only four games left to play. A loss at home on Sunday at the Olympic Stadium would certainly intensify the pressure on Flick's young, relatively inexperienced squad.
"We've got to keep going," Flick said after the heartbreaking defeat in Milan, reflecting on one of the all-time classic Champions League semi-final matches. "We have five days to prepare and we're determined to win it."
Flick believes that this crushing defeat will serve as a catalyst for hunger to clinch the La Liga title. The team was rejuvenated this season following a slump at the end of 2024, emerging physically and mentally recharged after the winter break. Since then, they have humbled nearly every team they've faced, maintaining a 24-match unbeaten streak.
Barcelona's hunger for trophies can be seen in statistics. This season, they have completed the most sprints of any team in La Liga, and covered the fifth-most distance. By contrast, Real Madrid have run the least and have the third-fewest sprints. Despite a well-deserved rest, Madrid will be eager to cash in on Barcelona's drained energy following the grueling Inter defeat.
"This won't affect us," Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo insists. "It's a tough blow, but this team has an incredible mentality, and we're going for La Liga."
With the Clasico looming, Barcelona has opted to postpone media commitments, focusing on regaining their strength ahead of the pivotal match. Flick is hoping to welcome back left-back Alejandro Balde and striker Robert Lewandowski, both of whom have been injured and made their return against Inter Milan, albeit not at full fitness.
Their top performer during the Inter matches was none other than 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who tormented the opposition on the right flank. Yamal leads La Liga in assists with 12 and is the embodiment of Flick's young, dynamic squad. In their three encounters with Real Madrid this season, Barcelona have emerged victorious, with Yamal yet to score more than two goals but consistently posing the greatest threat against the champion team.
"We won't stop until we leave this club where it deserves, on the highest rung," Yamal wrote on Instagram following the Champions League match. Winning back La Liga from Madrid would certainly be a good place to start.
Although they may be down, Flick believes his team is only beginning to reveal their true potential. Gavi, 20, is another young star whose best years lie ahead, while 18-year-old Pau Cubarsi and 22-year-old Pedri continue to shine.
"No matter how angry we are now, we can end this season by winning three trophies," says Gavi on Instagram. "Let's make Montjuic rock on Sunday, and take home the La Liga title!"
As Yamal put it, "This year they can't handle us." With the upcoming Clasico serving as a crucial test, the young sensation aims to avoid a swift taste of humility while pushing Barcelona toward even more silverware.
Stay tuned as the La Liga race heats up. Don't miss the action!
© 2025 AFP
- "Despite their heartbreaking loss in the Champions League semifinals, Bayern Munich, led by Hansi Flick, are taking the disappointment as a catalyst to chase the La Liga title, hoping to leave a mark in the European leagues."
- "Meanwhile, in the Spanish La Liga, Barcelona, already victorious against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup finals, are pushing harder towards the La Liga title, putting their "incredible mentality" to the test, with 17-year-old Lamine Yamal leading the charge."
