Barcelona to play for late club doctor Minarro in Benfica clash

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said his team will dedicate their Champions League last-16 second-leg match against Benfica on Tuesday to club doctor Carles Minarro, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 53.

The Catalan giants hold a 1-0 lead from the first leg in Lisbon, but their preparations were overshadowed by the sudden loss of Minarro, who had been working with the club since 2017 and recently joined the men’s first team staff.

“It’s a huge loss. Carles was a really great person and a great doctor,” Flick said on Monday. “He was a key part of our success, and we miss him. The team wants to play for him.”

Barcelona’s La Liga match against Osasuna on Saturday was postponed just 20 minutes before kickoff following the news of Minarro’s passing.

Despite beating Benfica 5-4 in the group stage and securing victory in Lisbon last week with 10 men, Flick warned against complacency.

“None of us thinks it’s done,” he said. “Benfica have been excellent away from home in the Champions League, so we have to stay focused.”