Flick urges focus after Madrid comeback

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has called on his players to maintain focus and avoid premature celebrations after their thrilling 4-3 comeback victory over Real Madrid on May 11, bringing them closer to the LaLiga title. Despite trailing 0-2 early in the match, Barcelona rallied with goals from Eric García, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, and a brace from Raphinha, securing their fourth consecutive win against Madrid this season.

With this victory, Barcelona now sits seven points clear at the top of the LaLiga table. They could clinch the title as early as Wednesday if Real Madrid fails to win against Mallorca. Alternatively, a win in their upcoming city derby against Espanyol on Thursday would guarantee the championship for the Catalans, regardless of Real's result.

Flick praised his team's resilience, particularly in light of their recent heartbreak in the Champions League semi-finals against Inter Milan. He highlighted the grit displayed by his players, emphasizing the importance of maintaining discipline and focus in the final stretch of the season. "We don't feel like champions yet," Flick stated, underscoring the need to stay grounded.

The match featured standout performances, especially from young talent Lamine Yamal, who scored a stunning equalizer and was a constant threat on the right flank. Real Madrid, despite Kylian Mbappe's impressive hat-trick, struggled due to injuries to key defenders, which hampered their performance. Manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed frustration over his team's costly errors that led to the loss.

As Barcelona aims for a domestic double, with the Copa del Rey final still ahead, Flick's message is clear: the team must continue to perform at their best to secure the LaLiga title and avoid complacency in the crucial matches ahead.