Catalans are 4-0 down from the first leg but Diego Simeone has warned his own side against complacency
Barcelona face a near-impossible task to come back from a 4-0 deficit if they are to defeat Atletico Madrid and make it to the final of the Copa del Rey.
But just how close to impossible is it? The Catalans were torn apart in a ruthless attacking display by Diego Simeone’s side in the first leg of the semi-final in February, that coming after they had defeated the Madrid side 3-1 in their league game in December.
Can Hansi Flick’s achieve an incredible comeback at home at Camp Nou, against one of the worst sides to play against if you really need to score goals and they don’t?
Atletico manager Simeone for one is not giving any room for complacency.
“We’re thinking about the match ahead of us, against a very good opponent, who are attacking, open and play as a team, making them one of the most competitive sides in LaLiga and in Europe,” Simeone told reporters ahead of the game.
Barcelona arrive in improved attacking form, having dispatched in-form Villareal 4-1 last weekend, Lamine Yamal scoring his first career hat-trick to guide his side to the win.
“[Yamal] is a very good individual player, particularly dangerous in the final stages of the game. We have to put him where he feels most uncomfortable, which is defending,” Simeone said.
Atletico have a chance to make their first Copa del Rey final since 2013, and if they manage to edge out Barcelona, with Real Madrid already out, they are strong favourites to win their first trophy since 2021 when they won La Liga.
But they will have to ensure that the near-impossible is not achieved on Tuesday.
