Barcelona’s Copa del Rey title defence suffered a heavy blow on Thursday as Atletico Madrid thrashed them 4‑0 at the Metropolitano Stadium. Hansi Flick’s side were out‑played from the start, conceding four goals before half‑time and never recovering.
“We didn’t play as a team in the first half; the distances were too big and we couldn’t press the way we wanted,” Flick said after the match. He added that the defeat could serve as a “lesson” for the rest of the season, noting that the second half was “much better” and that his players will “fight” in the return leg.
A controversial moment arrived after the break when Pau Cubarsi’s goal was ruled out for offside following a lengthy VAR review. Flick described the process as “a mess,” complaining about the seven‑minute wait and the lack of clear communication to players and fans. “When I saw it, it looked onside, but they found something else. We need transparency,” he said.
Atletico’s dominant first‑half display, driven by Diego Simeone’s tactical pressure, left Barcelona with a mountain to climb in the second leg. The result also ends Barcelona’s recent unbeaten run and raises questions about their defensive organization
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