Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is proud of his players’ efforts in the 3-3 draw against Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-finals first leg.
Inter put early pressure on the hosts by going 2-0 up with the help of strikes from Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries, only for the Catalan giants to mount an impressive comeback.
Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres levelled the score for the Catalans not long before Dumfries restored the lead for the Italians in the second half.
However, Raphinha fired in a fierce strike from outside the box to force an own goal from Yann Sommer, putting Barca on level terms.
Flick highlighted how Inter exploited their advantage in set-pieces, something Barca should learn to deal with in the second leg.
“Inter showed that they are a great team with a lot of experience,” said Flick. “ They took advantage of set pieces. This is the semi-finals of the Champions League and the best team remain. Inter are really good and tough.”
The German manager also labelled the next week’s second leg as a final before a final, and Barca can come out on top if they stick to their aggressive style of play.
“The second leg is still to come and we have to win it. It’s a final before the final,” Fick added. (h/t Mundo Deportivo)
“I also think Inter can’t just defend, they have to score.
“For us it is important that we play the same way, believing in what we know how to do and hopefully with 90 minutes it will be enough to reach the final.”
Flick also lauded Lamine Yamal for his spectacular performance in helping Barca mount a comeback.
The German tactician also echoed Inter manager Simone Inzaghi’s statement on Yamal, calling him a generational talent.
Jules Kounde suffered a potential hamstring injury in the draw against Inter, extending the Catalans’ injury woes.
The French right-back is expected to be ruled out of the second leg next week, which will be a massive setback for Barca.
Barcelona will return to La Liga duties when they take on Real Valladolid on Saturday.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
