JAKARTA - Barcelona lost a chance to win a domestic cup after being eliminated from the Copa del Rey. They failed to make a comeback against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, March 4, 2025 WIB, losing 3-4 on aggregate.
Blaugrana manager Hansi Flick admitted he was disappointed his team was eliminated from the Copa del Rey, but he said he was proud of almost making a remarkable comeback against Atletico Madrid.
Two goals from Marc Bernal and a penalty from Raphinha gave Barcelona a 3-0 victory at Camp Nou. Unfortunately, the result was not enough as they lost 0-4 at the Metropolitano on February 13, 2026.
"We are disappointed, but we can be very proud of the performance we showed. It was an amazing game from us."
"We created a lot of chances to score more goals. In the end it didn't happen and we have to accept it," Flick said in a post-match press conference.
Fermin Lopez, Raphinha, Bernal, Ferran Torres, and Lamine Yamal all had early chances as Barcelona came out immediately aggressive, registering 13 shots on goal in the first half.
Bernal finally gave them the lead in the 29th minute, taking advantage of a brilliant cross from Yamal. When Raphinha added the lead to 2-0 through a penalty late in the first half, the home fans chanted optimistically.
A second goal from Bernal made the last 20 minutes tense, but Barcelona could not find the fourth goal, which would have taken the game into extra time, with Gerard Martin's best chance in injury time failing to score.
"Usually this level is a benchmark, but we have to show it in every game. This is not something easy, it's hard work," said Flick.
Bernal, one of the players who stood out in the match, has now scored four goals in his last five appearances and is almost back to his best form after being out for more than a year due to an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury.
"Marc played a great match. This is the mentality I want from him because he is a fantastic talent."
"With the ball, building attacks, he is very good. He is really amazing, it is really fun to watch," said Flick.
Barcelona's elimination from the Copa del Rey means Flick will miss out on a domestic trophy in Spain for the first time since being appointed Barcelona coach in 2024.
He won LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup (Supercopa de Espana) in his debut season as a coach. Then, he won the second Spanish Super Cup title in Saudi Arabia in January 2026.
However, Barcelona still have a lot to fight for this season. They are four points clear at the top of the LaLiga standings and will face Newcastle United next week in the Champions League 16th round.
"It's still a long way to go in La Liga and the Champions League. We'll face a tough opponent, Newcastle United, a strong team."
"Every three or four days we have a game and this is our task for the next few weeks, months. We want to play a lot of games in the Champions League, so we have to do it like this."
"Recovery, focus on our task, and that's what I want to see from the team. The quality we saw against Atletico Madrid, it was there, it was really amazing. I'm really proud of my team and it's fantastic," said Flick.
However, Flick still has to monitor two key players, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde, who were injured against Atletico Madrid. Kounde was forced out in the first half and Balde, his replacement, came off after the break.
"They are absent. I don't know (how long). We have to wait to know for sure. Everyone is exhausted because they have given everything on the field."
"They gave more than 100 percent. The supporters were happy with the game against Atletico Madrid, maybe a little disappointed, but that's normal. Everyone plays with all their heart for this club and it's really fantastic to see," said Flick.
Barcelona will face Athletic Club in LaLiga on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in their bid to continue to maintain their lead at the top of the table from Real Madrid.
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