Barca ready for Clasico test after UCL heartbreak
Barcelona knows exactly what is expected as it aims to bounce back from its UEFA Champions League exit when it faces Real Madrid in a pivotal Clasico, according to coach Hansi Flick.
The Blaugrana were beaten 4-3 by Inter Milan in midweek, sealing a 7-6 aggregate defeat in an epic UEFA Champions League semi-final.
While hopes of a treble have been dashed, Barca has little time to feel sorry for itself.
It hosts rival Madrid on Monday (AEST) in the fourth Clasico of the season.
A win would move Flick's team seven points clear at the top of LaLiga with just three matches remaining.
"We're doing well," Flick said.
"After the defeat in Milan, everyone knows it's not easy, but we're doing things right. We've talked about what we want to do in these two weeks.
"There are four more games to go. El Clasico is important, we have to show how well we can play. We have to show confidence. The players are doing very well.
"We've been talking about what they are thinking, what they are feeling.
"We had to talk about it as a group. Everyone knows that in a Clasico you have to give 100 per cent. You have to be active, intense, dominant. Real Madrid is a very good team, and we need the fans."
Barca has conceded 10 goals in its past four games across all competitions, leading to questions over its solidity and the team's use of a high line when defending.
Flick, however, is content with his approach.
"When we started, I was clear about the philosophy. There have been games, especially at the beginning, where we saw doubts, but the team has adapted well," he said.
"They have also been improving and are happy with the style and how we want to play. When you see the quality of the players you are happy."
Flick explained he will not risk Robert Lewandowski from the off against Madrid, as the Pole continues his comeback from a hamstring injury.
Lewandowski has scored 11 goals in 17 matches against Madrid in all competitions; only Lionel Messi (26) and Luis Suarez (12) have scored more against Los Blancos in the 21st Century.
Barca has won all three of its matches against Madrid this season, most recently winning the Copa del Rey final in extra-time.
Only once before have the Blaugrana won four or more games in a row against Los Blancos, under Pep Guardiola between 2008 and 2010.
Indeed, Flick has won all three of his matches against Madrid in all competitions. Of all the managers in the history of the fixture, only Guardiola has won his first four competitive matches.
