‘It will be a final before a final’ – Flick confident of comeback against Inter in the second leg | OneFootball

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was proud of his players’ efforts in the 3-3 draw against Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final first leg last night.

Inter put early pressure on the hosts by going 2-0 ahead courtesy of goals by Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries, only for the Catalan giants to mount an impressive comeback.

Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres levelled the score not long before Dumfries restored the lead for the Italians in the second half.

However, Raphinha fired in a fierce strike from outside the box to force an own goal from Yann Sommer, putting Barca on level terms.

Flick highlighted how Inter exploited their advantage in set-pieces, something Barca should learn to deal with in the second leg.

“Inter showed that they are a great team with a lot of experience,” Flick said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

“They took advantage of set pieces. This is the semi-finals of the Champions League, and the best teams remain. Inter are really good and tough.

“The second leg is still to come, and we have to win it. It’s a final before the final. I also think Inter can’t just defend, they have to score.

“It is important that we play the same way, believing in what we know how to do. Hopefully, with 90 minutes, it will be enough to reach the final.”

Flick lauded Lamine Yamal for his spectacular performance in helping Barca mount a comeback.

The German tactician echoed Inter manager Simone Inzaghi’s statement on Yamal, calling him a generational talent.

Jules Kounde suffered a potential hamstring injury in the draw against Inter, extending the Catalans’ injury woes.

The French right-back is expected to be ruled out of the second leg next week, which would be a massive setback for Barca.

Barcelona return to La Liga duties when they take on Real Valladolid on Saturday.