Can FC Barcelona's Copa Victory Against Madrid Propel Them to the UCL Final?

New Delhi, April 29 (NationPress) FC Barcelona's head coach Hansi Flick is optimistic that their recent Copa del Rey triumph over Real Madrid will serve as a catalyst for their journey toward the UEFA Champions League final. The team is set to face Inter Milan at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys this Thursday (IST).

The thrilling 3-2 victory against Real Madrid marked a significant achievement for Barcelona, as it allowed them to lift their second trophy this season. The match was a testament to the club's tenacity, coming back after conceding two quick goals to trail 2-1. However, Ferran Torres equalized, and Jules Kounde netted the extra-time winner, securing the win.

“All the players are currently focused and eager to reach the final. The win against Madrid has been pivotal for our morale and will help us keep striving. I genuinely believe we can reach the final, and the team is ready to give their all,” stated Flick during the pre-match conference.

Despite their recent triumph, Barcelona players had no time to revel in their victory, as they quickly turned their focus to the upcoming UEFA Champions League semifinals, aiming to clinch their first European title since the 2014/15 season, which also marked their last appearance in the tournament's final.

Not only will the Catalans draw inspiration from their win over Real Madrid, but Flick has also urged his squad to reflect on the lessons learned from that encounter.

“The players are in good spirits. The dynamics of the previous game will influence us, but our focus is already on Inter,” he added.

“We have a golden opportunity to reach the Champions League final, which is the ultimate competition. We are in a fortunate position. Today's training went smoothly, and we discussed strategies to improve upon our performance against Madrid,” Flick emphasized.

Flick, appointed ahead of the 2024-25 season on a two-year contract that concludes in June 2026, took over after an unsatisfactory end to the previous relationship between Xavi and the club.

After finishing second in the 2023-24 La Liga season and facing elimination by Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals, alongside a disheartening 1-4 home defeat against Paris Saint-Germain during the UCL quarterfinals, Flick has successfully transformed the Catalan team. They now boast one of Europe's most formidable attacking units, as evidenced by their impressive 4-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of this season's Champions League quarterfinals.

Flick declined to confirm any plans to extend his contract beyond 2026.

“I anticipate coaching the team next year. I have a contract until the conclusion of next season, and I am genuinely happy here. Now is not the time to discuss the future; our focus remains on the present,” concluded Flick.