Barça is going through the most critical moment of the season. The recent elimination in the Champions League has left the locker room deeply affected. No one in the FC Barcelona environment expected to fall in such a painful way.
Laporta, Deco, and Hansi Flick firmly believed in surpassing Inter Milan. The fans also trusted reaching the dreamed final. However, the reality was very different and the blow was devastating.
El Clásico will decide the future of LaLiga
Barça doesn't have time to lament or look back. This weekend comes El Clásico against Real Madrid in Montjuïc. The winner of the match will be very well positioned to conquer the league title.
Hansi Flick is preparing the best possible line-up for this anticipated final. The tension is at its peak and every detail can make the difference. In the last few hours, the German coach has received great news.
Iñigo Martínez will be available for El Clásico
Despite being injured against Inter Milan, Iñigo Martínez will be able to be in Montjuïc on Sunday. The medical tests have been much more optimistic than expected last Tuesday. Barring any surprises, he will be a starter alongside Pau Cubarsí and will be the leader of FC Barcelona's defense in a do-or-die match.
Barça's defense gains a lot of solidity with the presence of Iñigo Martínez and it has been shown throughout the season. The center-back is a safe bet in high-demand matches. His leadership and experience will be essential against Real Madrid.
Flick celebrates the return of Iñigo Martínez
Hansi Flick knows he needs all his players at one hundred percent. The return of Iñigo Martínez allows keeping a solid block at the back. That will also give confidence to whoever he chooses to put between the posts.
Barça's fans celebrate this news with great joy, as it provides great peace of mind to keep rivals at bay. After the European setback, Barça needs to get back to winning ways. Beating the eternal rival would be a morale boost to face the final stretch.
Now it remains to be seen how Flick manages the pressure of the moment. The German coach has shown personality and ambition since his arrival. With Iñigo Martínez in the line-up, Barça dreams of lifting LaLiga.
Sunday will be a decisive day for the future of the season. Barça and Real Madrid are playing for much more than three points. Hansi Flick trusts his men and, above all, in an Iñigo Martínez who returns just in time.