FC Barcelona celebrated its 29th league title on Sunday evening - against arch-rivals Real Madrid of all teams. But with the death of coach Hansi Flick's father, the focus is on other emotions.
11.05.2026, 11:24
11.05.2026, 11:27
SDA
Suddenly, the great rivalry between the two Spanish flagship clubs has become a minor matter. The out-of-control Real stars had been making headlines all week with Kylian Mbappé's vacation trips and the scuffle between Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni as the highlight. The league title had been practically out of reach for some time. But under no circumstances did they want to have to watch their arch-rivals celebrate.
In the end, all that faded into the background - because of a real human tragedy. Both teams enter the Camp Nou united in mourning, and before the game there is a minute's silence for the father of Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick.
A real family
On Sunday morning, the 61-year-old German received a call from his mother. "She told me that my father had passed away," said Flick after the 2:0 win against Real. "Of course I asked myself what I should do now. Hide it from my players or tell them?" Flick opted for the latter. "We're a real family here. So I told them - and their reaction was incredible," said the former Bayern Munich and German national team coach, visibly moved. "I will never forget this moment. I really thank them for their support."
The championship title, his second in a row with Barcelona, is well deserved. With three rounds to go, the lead over second-placed Real is fourteen points. But it should not be the end of their dreams. Barça's ambitions are also, and above all, at European level. In the Champions League, they were defeated in the semi-finals by Inter Milan last year and now by Atlético Madrid in the quarter-finals.
Aiming for the Champions League
"I have the feeling that I'm in the right place at the right time," emphasizes Flick, who is expected to extend his contract until 2028 soon. "I really appreciate working at this fantastic club, living in this city." The people are friendly with them and they want to continue together. "We want to give even more, become even better. Everyone here at Barcelona has a clear goal. We want to win the Champions League. We'll try again next year - and hopefully we can do it then."
The fans see it the same way as Flick, the love seems mutual. After the title, chants of "Hansi, Hansi" echoed from 60,000 throats around the Camp Nou, which still has a reduced capacity following the renovation. "Imagine what it will be like with 40,000 more people," enthuses Flick about the atmosphere. For him, it is the sweet ending to an ultimately bitter-sweet day.
