Flick’s Subtle Swipe and Barcelona’s Copa del Rey Challenge
Barcelona faces Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinals, but the build-up has been punctuated by a touch of gamesmanship from Barça manager Hansi Flick. Ahead of the first leg, Flick delivered a pointed remark aimed at rivals Real Madrid following their recent Copa del Rey elimination.
A Jab at Real Madrid’s Exit
When questioned about Barcelona’s seemingly favorable path to the semifinals – having overcome lower-tier sides Guadalajara, Racing Santander, and Albacete – Flick offered a succinct response: “Ask Real Madrid.” This was accompanied by a noticeable smirk, alluding to Real Madrid’s humbling defeat against second-division side Albacete in the round of 16. Barcelona then went on to defeat Albacete in the quarterfinal.
Flick later clarified that his comment wasn’t intended as an insult, emphasizing his respect for lower-tier teams and acknowledging their ability to cause upsets in the Copa del Rey. He highlighted that Barcelona likewise faced challenging opponents, even if the results weren’t as dramatic as Real Madrid’s loss.
Respect for All Opponents
“For me, it’s the respect for also these teams [lower tier sides],” Flick stated. “It’s the [Copa del Rey] and they also qualified for this and they have the quality. They showed it in every game, that they are also able to win against [La Liga] teams.”
Barcelona defeated Real Betis and Valencia by an aggregate score of 10–1 last season, a contrast to their 4–1 aggregate victory against Racing and Albacete this term. Despite the differing scorelines, Flick recognizes the increasing difficulty as the competition progresses.
Flick’s Assessment of Atlético Madrid
Despite downplaying the perceived ease of Barcelona’s route, Flick is under no illusions about the challenge posed by Atlético Madrid. He expressed his admiration for Diego Simeone’s team, praising their clear philosophy and the quality of their players.
“I really like what I spot from Atlético,” Flick said. “They are a fantastic team, with a clear philosophy, with a lot of players who know how to play with the ball and for every opponent it’s not easy to defend. For us, it will be a tough match.” He also highlighted Atlético’s impressive performance against Real Betis in the Copa del Rey, acknowledging Simeone’s successful tenure.
Injury Concerns Ahead of the Clash
Barcelona heads into the first leg at the Metropolitano with some injury concerns. Flick will need to navigate these absences carefully, as a poor result in the first leg could severely jeopardize their title defense.
FAQ
Q: What did Hansi Flick say about Real Madrid?
A: He suggested reporters ask Real Madrid about Barcelona’s easy path, referencing Real Madrid’s elimination by Albacete.
Q: Who did Barcelona defeat to reach the Copa del Rey semifinals?
A: They defeated Guadalajara, Racing Santander, and Albacete.
Q: What did Flick say about Atlético Madrid?
A: He praised their quality, philosophy, and manager Diego Simeone.
Q: Is Barcelona dealing with any injuries?
A: Yes, Barcelona has sensible injury absences ahead of the first leg.
Did you know? Barcelona defeated Atlético Madrid 5–4 on aggregate in the 2024–25 Copa del Rey semifinals.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on team news and injury updates leading up to the match, as these can significantly impact the outcome.
What are your predictions for the Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid semifinal? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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