Flick: 'We will defend better next season'

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick pledged to work on his team's defense next season, after his side edged Real Madrid 4-3 in a thrilling La Liga "Clasico" on Sunday to put the Catalans within touching distance of the title.

Barca moved to the brink of La Liga glory with its victory at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium, opening a seven-point gap on second-placed Madrid with three matches remaining.

In the final stages Madrid spurned several good chances to equalize, while last week Inter Milan knocked Barcelona out of the Champions League semifinals in a 4-3 win as the Catalans' defense crumbled.