Five Barcelona stars show up to training despite Flick granting a day off | OneFootball

It was a day of reflection at FC Barcelona. The team came close to a historic feat but ultimately failed to reach the UEFA Champions League final as they fell to a 4-3 defeat to Inter Milan in the semi-final second leg at the Giuseppe Meazza.

After an intense match that went to extra time, Hansi Flick’s side returned to the Catalan capital with a bitter taste, fully aware that they had been seconds away from making it through to their first final in ten years.

However, there is no time for the squad to dwell on the disappointment. This coming weekend brings a new final of sorts – the opportunity to take a decisive step in the La Liga title race as they face rivals Real Madrid at home.

Five stars train on day off

Now, Mundo Deportivo reports that five Barcelona players – Wojciech Szczesny, Frenkie de Jong, Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Ferran Torres reported for training today, showing their dedication despite being given time off by manager Hansi Flick.

Following the exertion in Milan, where the game went on for 120 minutes, not to mention the emotional turmoil following the heartbreaking defeat, Flick decided to give the players the day off.

Ferran and Frenkie de Jong trained today. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

However, the aforementioned five players showed up to Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper and worked on their time off ahead of the Clasico on Sunday.

Of the five, Szczesny, De Jong, and Yamal played the full 120 minutes against Inter. Pedri completed 105 minutes, while Ferran played just over 90, being substituted during added time in the second half.

As mentioned earlier, Barcelona have another final of sorts this weekend against Real Madrid in La Liga.

A win against Los Blancos will take them seven points clear at the top of the league table, with three games remaining. However, a defeat will bring Carlo Ancelotti’s men within one point of the Blaugrana, making it a must-win match for Hansi Flick & co.