Barça played a thrilling soccer match last night at the Lluis Companys Stadium, but it didn’t end the way Hansi Flick would have liked. The 3-3 draw leaves everything to be decided in the second leg on May 6 at 9 p.m. in Milan. The Azulgrana side did not play badly and once again demonstrated their great ability to react, but, as a very critical Raphinha pointed out, you cannot concede three goals at home.
In fact, two of the three goals came fairly quickly at the start of the match, putting the tie in a very difficult position for the Catalans. The first goal came in the first minute of the match, scored by Thuram, who was a doubt until the end. The player connected with a precise backheel cross, beating Szczesny. Minutes later, Dumfries connected with a volley.
Barça were back in the semi-finals for the first time in six years, and with the tie now level, they will have to give 100% in the second leg to secure their place in the final in Munich. The Catalan side will visit San Siro on Tuesday with the obligation to win the second leg, just like Inter.
On the other occasions when Barça has found itself in this position of going into the second leg after a draw at home, it has happened in seven of the 14 previous cases. The only ones without the double value in force were in the Europa League: in the round of 16 in 2022-23 against Galatasaray with a ticket to the next round (0-0 and 1-2) and in the playoff in 2022-23 with a knockout against Manchester United (2-2 and 2-1).
First LaLiga, then San Siro
Before thinking about the decisive match to secure their place in the final in Munich in May, Barça have a crucial LaLiga match to contend with. The Catalans must maintain their four-point lead over Real Madrid before El Clásico, which could decide the title.
This Saturday, Barça visits Real Valladolid in a match that, on paper, looks easy for Hansi Flick’s side. The Valladolid team is already relegated to the Second Division. However, it could be a dangerous match as the Blanquivioletas, bottom of the First Division, have nothing to play for and will have the support of a packed Zorrilla stadium.
Barça are concerned, after losing Jules Koundé in the Champions League match, about overexerting themselves just three days before traveling to Milan for the decisive second leg.