MADRID (AP) — They need a win and some goals to secure an automatic top-eight spot in the Champions League, but coach Hansi Flick knows Barcelona must perform at its best against Copenhagen on Wednesday.
Barcelona are in ninth place ahead of the final league game, with 13 points, the same as seven other teams, including Chelsea in eighth, Newcastle in seventh and Paris Saint-Germain in sixth.
“We’re just focused on ourselves and what’s in our hands,” Frick said Tuesday. “That’s a good way to approach it. It will be a tough game against Copenhagen, but they also have a lot of lives at stake. We should never make excuses. That is our philosophy. … We are confident in our style, in our play. And this is the Champions League. We have to show our highest level.”
For the teams tied on points, the difference in goals and losses will likely be decisive. The top eight automatically qualify for the Round of 16, but those ranked 9th through 24th must play an additional playoff round.
“We have to proceed in stages,” Frick said. “We have to play this game with respect for Copenhagen because they have a great team. We need to defend very well, keep clean sheets and score goals to win.
“We are very confident and hope we can win to qualify for the next round. The most important thing is to do a good job and play at the highest level.”
Flick said he was confident because Barcelona were going through “good times” and were in a “good situation”. The Catalan club have won 13 of their last 14 games in all competitions and have scored 18 goals in their last six games.
Barcelona have scored 26 goals in their last 27 Champions League games and have not scored in any of their last 42 European games.
Flick said forward Ferran Torres is expected to be available after undergoing treatment for a muscular injury, but playmaker Pedri will remain sidelined due to a hamstring problem. Midfielder Frenkie de Jong was absent due to suspension.
Barcelona will face 28-year-old Jordan Larsson, the son of former striker Henrik Larsson, who won the 2006 Champions League with the Spanish club. He is the Danish player’s top scorer in all competitions this season.
Copenhagen still have hopes of finishing inside the top 24, but are unbeaten in their last three Champions League games, matching the longest unbeaten streak in the competition. They have the chance to become the first Danish club to reach 50 wins in the history of European Cup competitions and the Champions League.
Barcelona acquired Rooney Bulge from Copenhagen last year. The 20-year-old midfielder made 84 appearances for the Danish club and scored 15 goals. He has scored two goals this season.
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