Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News 
Barcelona will sq. off in opposition to SL Benfica for a 3rd time this season on Tuesday as the 2 groups face off within the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Spherical-of-16 fixture at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
The Blaugrana go into the sport with a slim benefit, having crushed Benfica 1-0 within the first leg in Lisbon, regardless of enjoying with ten males for 70 minutes.
Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick addressed the media in a press convention right this moment, which started with a minute of silence to honour Dr Carles Minarro, the first-team physician who handed away on Saturday, resulting in the Catalans’ sport vs Osasuna being postponed.
On Dr Carles Minarro’s passing
“I feel the crew is dealing with the scenario nicely. We’re very targeted on the sport, as I mentioned after Lisbon, that it was solely the primary leg,” mentioned Flick to kick issues off.
On how he has managed the scenario within the dressing room following the sudden passing of Dr Minarro, which has left many affected, the German supervisor defined:
“‘The president additionally mentioned one thing within the dressing room, he mentioned it on Sunday and I spoke to the crew yesterday. It’s a terrific loss, he was a terrific individual and a terrific physician.
“He was unbelievable for the crew and for the membership, he was a basic a part of our crew. We’ll miss him, however typically that’s life.
“We wish to play for him, on this scenario, it’s essential to win for him. We’re prepared for it. We have now to proceed, it’s our job. It’s an essential signing for the membership and we wish to do nicely.”
On the crew
Confirming that Robert Lewandowski was match and prepared for tomorrow, Flick mentioned: “He’s in prime kind, on Saturday we determined to relaxation him. Within the coaching session earlier than the sport, he felt some discomfort as a result of fatigue and we determined to relaxation him.”
On whether or not they imagine that they’re already within the quarter-finals, the Barcelona supervisor replied:
“I see the crew very targeted, and we talked about it this morning. On this morning’s discuss, we confirmed the great and the dangerous from the primary leg and we don’t assume the job is finished. We would like the angle to be proper.”
With video games in opposition to Benfica and Atletico Madrid (La Liga) developing, this week will likely be crucial for Barcelona’s aspirations. Referring to that, Flick mentioned:
“It’s all the time like that. I keep in mind the week in opposition to Bayern and Madrid and it’s comparable. Clearly, it’s essential that we win and much more so after the lead to Lisbon. We’re in a great state of mind and we’ve confidence in ourselves.”
Seeking to end the job vs Benfica. (Picture by David Ramos/Getty Photos)
The Barça head coach then spoke about Raphinha’s sensible kind this season and whether or not he’s a contender for the Ballon d’Or, saying:
“In fact, if he does nicely this season he might have an opportunity. He all the time helps us rather a lot, and for those who see the targets he has scored it reveals you the way hungry he’s. You see it, it’s good to see how targeted he’s. I’m joyful along with his stage.”
Praising the performances of veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, he added: “Szczesny is a mature and skilled goalkeeper. His persona helps us rather a lot, he’s doing a terrific job.”
On Benfica
Flick then spoke intimately about Benfica and their techniques, hailing the philosophy of the Portuguese membership’s supervisor, Bruno Lage.
“They’ve a terrific crew. Bruno Lage does a terrific job and you may see his philosophy on the pitch. The very best factor is for us to be 100% targeted and never take into consideration the primary leg,” mentioned the Barcelona supervisor.
On being requested if he expects the Portuguese outfit to be extra determined tomorrow, he famous: “Usually they all the time press excessive. They try this very nicely, they’ve gained a variety of away video games. We have now to give attention to that.”
Discussing how they’ll beat Benfica’s intense urgent, Flick said: “It’s all about positioning, good possession helps us rather a lot each in assault and defence. That’s what we wish to do tomorrow.”
As confirmed earlier right this moment, Benfica will likely be with out Angel Di Maria for the sport as he has didn’t get better from his damage. On the Argentine’s absence, Flick mentioned:
“I already mentioned he was certainly one of my favorite gamers. I gained’t speak about gamers who gained’t be right here. He’s a incredible and harmful participant regardless of his age.”
Supply: Mundo Deportivo
