Barcelona have held a firm grip on the La Liga title race in recent weeks, but with rivals Real Madrid still within striking distance, Sunday’s Clasico clash could prove decisive.
Hansi Flick’s men are four points clear at the summit with four games to go, yet their recent Champions League exit has raised questions about their ability to finish the season strong.
Barcelona were knocked out agonisingly after extra time by Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday and now face the challenge of quickly regrouping for what could be a title-defining showdown at the Olympic Stadium.
While a defeat wouldn’t end their hopes, it would significantly raise the stakes in the final stretch of the campaign.
“We have five days to prepare, and we want to win,” said Flick in the aftermath of the defeat in Milan. “This result has to ignite our hunger to win La Liga — that’s what’s most important now.”
Since the turn of the year, Barcelona have been in dominant domestic form, embarking on a 24-game unbeaten run.
The winter break reinvigorated the squad both physically and mentally, and their high-energy pressing style has been reflected in the stats: no team in La Liga has completed more sprints this season, and they rank fifth in total distance covered.
In contrast, Real Madrid are bottom in distance covered and third from bottom in sprints.
However, Madrid are fresher, having had a full week to prepare following their La Liga win over Celta Vigo, while Barca endured 120 minutes of intense action in midweek.
Defender Ronald Araujo insisted the Inter defeat won’t derail their league ambitions. “It’s a tough blow, but we have an incredible mentality, and we’re going for the title.”
To regroup, Barcelona cancelled all media appearances leading up to the Clásico. Flick is hopeful of recalling left-back Alejandro Balde from injury, while striker Robert Lewandowski made his return against Inter, though he lacked sharpness.
Among Barcelona’s standouts has been teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old dazzled across both legs against Inter and remains a consistent attacking force. He leads La Liga in assists (12) and has been instrumental in all three wins over Real Madrid this season.
“We won’t stop until we return this club to its rightful place — at the top,” Yamal wrote on Instagram after Tuesday’s heartbreak.
Despite scoring just two of Barcelona’s 12 goals in the three Clásico encounters this season, Yamal has been their most dangerous outlet against Madrid.
The teenager hasn’t been shy about firing verbal shots at their rivals, saying after the Copa del Rey final, “This year they can’t handle us.” He later added, “As long as I’m winning, they can’t say anything. When they beat me, they can.”
Flick, backed by a young core including Yamal, Pau Cubarsi (18), Pedri (22), and Gavi (20), insists this team is just getting started.
“We’re not at the end,” said the coach. “We can still win three trophies this season.” Gavi echoed the sentiment online, saying, “People said we wouldn’t win anything, but we’re still in the fight. Let’s make Montjuic bounce on Sunday and go get that win.”
