Giráldez reflected on the unique nature of the matchup during a Friday press conference, acknowledging his history with the Catalan club.
"I feel privileged to face Barcelona as I'm grateful for the experience I had there and I wish them the best -- except tomorrow when we have to win," he told reporters.
The head coach highlighted the emotional and motivational value of participating in another European final.
"I feel privileged because I have the opportunity to be part of another Champions League final.
Doing this is the thing I enjoy the most and being in the final is emotional and motivational," Giráldez said.
>>> Latvia Stuns United States 4-2 at IIHF World Championship
Despite Barcelona's recent dominance in European finals, Giráldez expects a highly competitive fixture.
"Barcelona have taken the headlines in recent finals, but this is a very equal final," he said.
He added that the ultimate target for his squad remains securing the championship rather than simply participating.
"It is a final involving two rival teams with top levels in their squads, regardless of the history.
Our ambition is to win tomorrow," Giráldez stated.
Giráldez emphasized that the team maintains an aggressive mindset heading into the match.
"Reaching the final is really nothing, honestly. I think that would be dreaming small and reaching the final is not enough.
If we are here, it's because we have the ambition of winning tomorrow. There's no other word and no other message in the dressing room," he said.
