FC Barcelona is gearing up for their pivotal UEFA Champions League match against Benfica amid the shadow of mourning the team’s doctor, Carles Miñarro, who passed away on March 8, 2025. The coaching staff and players are trying to channel their grief positively, with hopes of honoring Miñarro's legacy through their performance on the field.
Head coach Hansi Flick has expressed his sentiment about the team’s focus, stating, "It’s a great loss; Carles was a great person and a great doctor. He was a very important part of our success. We will miss him." This reflects how deeply Miñarro’s passing has impacted not only the team’s spirit but also their mental preparedness for the upcoming match.
Barcelona’s scheduled match against Osasuna was postponed, giving the players time to grieve and to prepare for their Champions League clash. They had previously triumphed 1-0 against Benfica during the first leg, even with player Pau Cubarsí sidelined after receiving a red card during the game.
Reflecting on the necessity to remain focused during this trying time, Flick noted, "The team wants to play for him. This situation is important. We have to move forward." This underlines the resolve within the squad to perform well, not just for themselves, but as a tribute to their beloved doctor.
Barcelona is set to host Benfica for the second leg of the knockout stage at Montjuïc Stadium on March 11. Fans and players alike will observe moments of silence to pay their respects. A moment of silence was also held during the training session on the Sunday following Miñarro's death, contributing to the solemn atmosphere surrounding the club.
Looking back at the previous match against Benfica, Flick’s squad managed to secure victory even when depleted, showcasing their tenacity and skill. This resilience will undoubtedly be the foundation on which they build their approach to the return leg, with players reflecting on Miñarro's commitment to their success.
Flick conveyed confidence about the players being able to compartmentalize their grief to focus on the task at hand. "The team is focused, we have to move forward. It’s an important time for the club and the fans... we want to do well and victory is important," he insisted, emphasizing the match’s significance beyond mere statistics.
The emotional strain of losing such an integral figure as Miñarro, who had been with Barcelona through various highs and lows, reverberates throughout the club’s history. Players and fans recognize the special bond created through shared goals and experiences, one which Miñarro significantly contributed to.
With all attention now shifting toward the forthcoming showdown, team dynamics are expected to reflect the tenacity and heart symbolized by Miñarro. This week's game could serve as more than just another Champions League chapter; it serves as a compendium of shared memories, tributes, and collective resolve.
Barcelona aims not only for progression to the next round of the tournament but seeks victory as a rightful homage to Carles Miñarro's invaluable contributions. Flick's leadership during this time proves pivotal, as he seeks to inspire his players amid such emotional turbulence.
Tomorrow night's match not only encapsulates sporting rivalry but stands as tribute to enduring friendships rooted deeply within the sport's fabric. The players will undoubtedly carry with them the spirit of their late doctor as they take the field, each of them driven to achieve, secure, and honor, for Miñarro.