‘We are motivated‘ — Barcelona midfield star urges team to use recent memory as fuel against Atletico in the Champions League | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are not walking into this Champions League quarter-final with fresh eyes. The memory of what happened against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey is still there, and Dani Olmo has made it clear that the squad are using that pain as fuel rather than carrying it as a burden.

As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Olmo spoke on the club’s YouTube channel and did not hide the mood inside the dressing room ahead of the tie. His message was direct:

“We are motivated. Everyone still has in mind what happened in the Cup and I see the team prepared and eager to win.”

That is exactly the mindset Barca need. Atletico are the kind of opponent who punish hesitation, and Hansi Flick’s team need to produce the version of their game they showed at Camp Nou rather than the one they delivered at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

He also underlined how familiar the challenge feels to this squad, saying:

“It is an expected scenario for us. We already lived it last year and we know it is all or nothing. If we are at our level, we can do it.”

It is not just about revenge for the Copa exit, it is about showing that the team have learned how to handle these knockout moments. Barca have enough quality to hurt Atletico, but only if they play with conviction and keep control of the rhythm.

Olmo also discussed his role in different positions, including as a false nine. He said:

That kind of flexibility is valuable in a tie like this. Olmo gives Barcelona technical quality between the lines, but also tactical options if Flick wants to change the structure during the game. That can be decisive against an Atletico side built to make matches uncomfortable.

Olmo has been in decisive form ever since the turn of the year. His performances have improved significantly, and he will be hoping to emerge as a protagonist for the team during the important run-in over the coming couple of months.