Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has stated his side must learn from their last two games against Atletico Madrid if they stand a chance to win in Sunday’s game which could be key in the title race.
Real Madrid sit three points above Flick’s team – who have a game in hand – following their win against Villarreal on Saturday, meanwhile Atleti sit four points behind the summit.
The Catalan giants were defeated 2-1 at home to Atletico and were also held to a 4-4 draw in the Copa del Rey semi final first leg with Alexander Sorloth netting an injury time winner in the first contest and a late equaliser in the second.
“I think we played two great matches. We have to be focused from the beginning of the match to the end of the match,” Flick said to reporters ahead of Sunday’s game.
“In the first match we weren’t as focused as we can be at the end of the match. In the second match, we weren’t focused at the beginning and the end.
“We have to take care of that. If you make mistakes against Atletico, they can hurt you. This is what we have to defend.”
Quizzed on whether the game could be a deciding factor in the title race, Flick shared a different perspective.
“It’s a long way to go in the league, it’s one match. If we win it will be very good for our confidence and give us more belief.
“I always say LaLiga clubs know how to play football, it’s not easy to win against such teams.”
Atletico suffered a devastating loss in the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday when they lost to rivals Real Madrid once again on penalties.
However, Flick shrugged off talk of Diego Simeone’s charges coming into Sunday’s game with fatigue having played extra time and penalties.
“For me, they have a fantastic team. It’s not just 11-14 players. They have a really good team and this isn’t a problem,” the German said.
“They are fit, they have experienced players in the team. I don’t think it makes a difference.”
