Hansi Flick explains how Inter Milan exposed Barcelona ahead of 'San Siro final'

Feargal Brennan

•
Hansi Flick explains how Inter Milan exposed Barcelona ahead of 'San Siro final' image

Barcelona will need to rally for their UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg on the road at Inter Milan on May 6.

The goals rained down on a wild first leg night in Catalonia, as Barcelona fought back from two goals down in the opening stages, and Lamine Yamal dragged Hansi Flick's team back into the contest.

Raphinha's wonder strike deflected off Inter Milan keeper Yann Sommer to secure a chaotic 3-3 draw at full-time and keep the Catalan giants still on track for a possible trophy treble this season.

However, a draw on home soil means Barcelona will now need to get something from their testing trip to the San Siro, and Flick highlighted how Inter Milan used their power at set pieces to hit the hosts hard.

"We didn't start well, we conceded two goals, but then we came back and played very well in the second half. It was great for the fans, but it's just the first game between the teams, now we have to win in Milan. It's a final before the final," as per reports from Movistar+ via Mundo Deportivo.

"We're talking about a Champions League semifinal with two great teams. They also have a lot of experience. They also had an advantage from set pieces and they used that in the right moments.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

"We have to take note of this. They have very tall and dangerous players from set pieces, but I appreciate how my players reacted.

"We're two different teams, but I don't think Inter can just defend, they have to score [in the second leg]. It's a semifinal, and we're up against the four best teams in Europe. It's important to play the same way, believing in what we know how to do, I hope 90 minutes will be enough to reach the final."

As part of a packed schedule, Barcelona now switch back to La Liga action in the coming days as the title race against Real Madrid comes into view.

Flick's charges are currently four points ahead of Carlo Ancelotti's defending champions with five games to play, and they travel to already relegated Real Valladolid on May 3, before hosting Los Blancos on May 11.

Barcelona news and related links

Feargal Brennan

Feargal is a content producer for The Sporting News. He has been working with TSN since the start of 2022 after stints with Reach, Amazon UK and Squawka in a nomadic career in the football media pyramid. Always with a keen eye on Arteta's 'Reds' and Kenny's Ireland 'Greens' and a 100% five-a-side penalty record.