Barcelona are set to take on Real Madrid on Sunday in what could be a title-decider at Montjuic.
Having beaten their arch-rivals three times this season, one would expect Barcelona to once again emerge as favourites.
However, the Catalans are heading into this game on the back of a heartbreaking defeat to Inter Milan. This has taken a heavy mental and physical toll on the players, who are still shocked by the fact that Barça won’t be able to secure the treble this season.
Barcelona players suffering from exhaustion
According to Diario SPORT, the shock of UCL exit is still affecting the players. Internally, there is a high level of fatigue in the Barcelona camp, both mentally and physically.
It appears the defeat to Inter has not only impacted the players’ physical fatigue but has also had a grave psychological impact.
Hansi Flick is aware of these challenges. The German knows there is internal fatigue within the team. There is also mental exhaustion and injuries, with Robert Lewandowski notably facing fitness woes heading into the Real Madrid.
Aware of all the problems, Flick has asked his team to give one last push as Barcelona approach the Clasico this weekend.
The players and staff also agree that they must make every effort to secure the league title, even if it means sweating blood on the pitch.
It must be noted that a win for Barcelona could help them practically seal the league title, as it would extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points.
On the flip side, if Barça lose to Real Madrid this weekend, the gap will reduce to just a point, with three more matches left for the season.
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