Manager rues poor performance in Madrid but insists his side can overturn the deficit
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick believes his side can pull off an incredible comeback against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie at Camp Nou.
The Catalans travelled to Madrid on Thursday but were humiliated in a four-goal first half rout, with Barcelona playing so badly that even the 4-0 scoreline flattered them. They also failed to create anything of note in a second half that was largely pedestrian.
“We’re without excuses – we played really badly, not like a team that Culers want to see,” Flick said. “The second half was better but 4-0 is a tough result.”
Barcelona were missing key players including Raphinha, Marcus Rashford and midfielder Pedri, all three of whom were sidelined with injuries. But it was largely also the performance of the defence with a poorly kept high line that led to such a disastrous result.
Flick’s side will host Atletico for the return leg at the Camp Nou next month.
“It’s not over yet,” said Flick. “We will fight and we need all of our supporters, all of our Culers in the stadium, and we will fight 90 minutes to reach the final
“In the first 45 minutes it’s like a lesson, and perhaps it is good to have a moment like this in the season. We have a second game. We can come back and this is our goal.”
