A Chance to Make History

Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo believes Tuesday’s match against Inter Milan is “a huge opportunity we must seize to make history” with the Catalan club, which is one step away from reaching another Champions League final.

“It’s been six years without a semifinal and ten without a final. I already played one in 2020 with Leipzig against PSG in Lisbon, and I know what it means. This is a crucial match, and we’re excited and ready,” Olmo said during the pre-match press conference at the Giuseppe Meazza.

The playmaker from Terrassa explained that the dressing room is enjoying the moment, thanks to the youthful nature of the squad. “The young guys ease the pressure. Sometimes they don’t realize how big this is, but that’s why we veterans are here to remind them.”

Despite being only 26, Olmo has become one of the team’s leaders. “I came to Barça to win. From the beginning, I believed we could accomplish what we’re doing. We still have two titles to fight for, and I’ve already won two others. I’ve never once regretted my decision and have always trusted this club 100%.”

At first, Olmo had to deal with uncertainty over his registration due to the club’s financial fair play issues, but he eventually found “a healthy group with a clear idea of play,” adding that “we’re all in this together” and he is “all in” with Hansi Flick.

“He’s very close to us, delivers a clear message, and has a very specific game plan. Things are going really well, and there’s no need to change anything. We fully trust him and his staff,” he said about the German coach.

Full Trust in Flick and Lamine’s Brilliance

On another big stage like Tuesday’s semifinal, Barcelona will have a golden opportunity to show that they’re back among Europe’s elite. According to Olmo, the team is “ready” despite the physical toll of playing every three days.

“I see the team fully energized and highly motivated,” he added, praising a group that consistently steps up in big games—and one that includes Lamine Yamal, the standout of the season.

“We all know what kind of player Lamine is and how important he is to us. I’m not surprised by him; I’ve seen him deliver in the Euros and all season long. He’s calm and ready to show why he’s the best,” said Olmo.

Asked about Inter’s rumored double-marking strategy against Yamal, Olmo responded confidently: “That just means someone else will be free. Lamine has shown he can take on one, two, or three defenders. If they double him, we’ll find the open man.”