Barcelona will take to the pitch on Tuesday night with a special motivation as they face Benfica in the second leg of the Champions League last-16 tie.
The Catalan giants will dedicate their performance to Carles Minarro Garcia, their beloved team doctor who passed away suddenly in the team hotel, just hours before their scheduled La Liga match against Osasuna last weekend.
The tragic loss led to the postponement of the Osasuna fixture, giving the team time to mourn and reflect on Minarro’s contribution. As Barcelona head into a crucial European match, manager Hansi Flick has urged his players to honour Minarro’s legacy with a strong performance and secure qualification for the quarter-finals.
Barcelona’s Emotional Tribute to Carles Minarro
Speaking in a press conference on Monday, Flick admitted that the past two days had been extremely difficult for the entire squad as they came to terms with the unexpected loss of Minarro. The German tactician acknowledged Minarro’s significance to the team, describing him as a respected and well-liked figure in the dressing room.
“I think the team is handling the situation well,” Flick said. “We are very focused on the game, and we want to play for him. In this situation, it is very important to win for him. We are ready for it.”
Barcelona have already planned special tributes to honour Minarro during the match. Players are expected to wear black armbands, and a minute of silence will be observed before kickoff.
Flick emphasized that, despite the emotional burden, the team must remain focused on their objectives. “We have to move on and go ahead. It’s our job. This is an important moment for the club, and we want to do well to honour him,” he added.
Barcelona’s Recent Form and Champions League Aspirations
Barcelona come into this fixture in excellent form, currently enjoying a 16-game unbeaten streak across all competitions. The club is leading La Liga, has reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals, and is aiming for a deep Champions League run.
In the first leg against Benfica, Barcelona secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory in Lisbon, with Raphinha scoring the only goal before young defender Pau Cubarsí was sent off early in the second half. Despite playing with ten men, Barcelona held firm defensively to come away with an important away win.
Flick is confident that his side can finish the job at home. “We are in a very good momentum, in a fantastic dynamic. We hope to continue like this,” he said.
“I see the team very focused. This morning, we had a talk, and we went through all the good things they had done lately,” he added. “Nobody has taken anything for granted, and that’s the most important thing.”
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Key Players to Watch
Barcelona will look to their key players to ensure they progress to the Champions League quarter-finals.
- Robert Lewandowski – The Polish striker remains a key attacking threat, capable of delivering when it matters most.
- Raphinha – The Brazilian winger was the hero in the first leg and will be crucial again in the attacking third.
- Pau Cubarsí – After missing the second half of the first leg due to a red card, the young defender will be eager to redeem himself.
Meanwhile, Benfica will rely on Ángel Di María, a veteran playmaker, to create attacking opportunities. The Argentine winger, who previously won the Champions League with Real Madrid, will be looking to inspire his team to a famous comeback.
Home Advantage for Barcelona
Barcelona will host the match at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, as the Camp Nou remains under renovation. Despite playing away from their traditional home, their Champions League home form has been strong this season.
With over 50,000 passionate Catalan fans expected to create a charged atmosphere, Barcelona will have the support needed to finish the job and book a place in the quarter-finals.
What’s at Stake for Barcelona?
For Barcelona, reaching the Champions League quarter-finals is about more than just honouring Minarro—it’s also about re-establishing their status as a dominant force in European football. The club has struggled in recent years, suffering disappointing exits in the early knockout rounds. A deep run this season would mark a significant turnaround under Hansi Flick.
This is Flick’s first season at Barcelona, and leading the team to Champions League success would further solidify his impact. With La Liga success within reach, Barcelona is now pushing for European glory to complete a remarkable turnaround.
