Advantage Inter! Barcelona's Champions League plan was ruined by gruelling La Liga comeback against Real Valladolid confirms Hansi Flick

The German coach made nine changes in the lineup that started against Inter in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final clash in midweek. First-team stars like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal started on the bench as players such as Ansu Fati and Pau Victor were given a chance to prove their worth.

However, an early goal from Ivan Sanchez derailed Flick's plan to provide rest to his main stars, as he was forced to introduce Raphinha at the start of the second half. Yamal was brought into the game in the first half after Dani Rodriguez sustained an injury. Ultimately, the Brazilian winger scored the equaliser in the 54th minute before Fermin Lopez sealed the fate of the match with a 60th-minute strike.

Speaking to reporters, Flick said: "I planned for Pedri and De Jong to play just 45 minutes each. But, I would have also liked Raphinha and Lamine to play fewer minutes. I’m not disappointed in anyone. We made nine changes, they’re young, I believe in them. It wasn’t easy. There were some mistakes, quick transitions, but Araujo and Christensen had good games, as did Ter Stegen."

Fatigue could impact the Blaugrana's performance in the second leg as Flick and his boys are aiming to seal a Champions League final spot in Milan on May 6.