Barcelona Set to Honor Late Doctor Carles Miñarro in Champions League Clash
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has announced that his team will play with a heavy heart in their upcoming Champions League match against Benfica, dedicating the game to the memory of club doctor Carles Miñarro, who tragically passed away on Saturday at the age of 53.
A moment of silence was observed during Flick’s press conference ahead of the crucial second leg of the Round of 16 tie at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona. The Catalan giants currently hold a 1-0 advantage from the first leg played in Lisbon.
Flick expressed his sorrow over Miñarro’s passing, emphasizing the profound impact the doctor had on the club. “It’s a huge loss; Carles was a really great person and an exceptional doctor. The combination of him and Ricard Pruna, another club doctor, was invaluable for the team,” said Flick.
The LaLiga fixture against Osasuna was postponed just 20 minutes before kick-off following Miñarro’s death, underscoring the deep sense of loss felt within the club. Flick continued, “He was one of the key pieces in our success. We miss him dearly, but we believe he will support us from above.”
Doctor Miñarro had been with various Barcelona teams since 2017, recently joining the first team and quickly becoming an integral part of the squad’s success. Flick assured that the team is focused on winning the match not just for themselves, but in honor of Miñarro’s legacy.
Barcelona faces a formidable Benfica side that has shown its strength in away matches, including impressive performances against Juventus and Atletico Madrid in the group stages. “None of us thinks that it’s done,” Flick cautioned. “We have to be careful and respect Benfica. They have proven they can win away, so we need to approach this match with the right mindset.”
As the team prepares to take the pitch, the memory of Carles Miñarro will serve as a poignant reminder of the human side of football, where victories and losses extend beyond the final score. The match against Benfica promises to be not only a test of skill but also an emotional tribute to a beloved member of the Barcelona family.
