FC Barcelona suffered a crushing defeat in the cup against Atlético Madrid. The Spanish press delivered a devastating verdict.
It was a memorable Thursday evening for FC Barcelona – but not in a positive sense. Hansi Flick’s team suffered a heavy 0-4 thrashing in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atlético Madrid.
While the German subsequently spoke of a “great lesson,” the Spanish press’s judgment was much harsher. “Hansi Flick’s worst defeat as Barcelona coach,” wrote As , for example.
Hansi Flick comes under fire from the Spanish press
The paper added: “Flick and Barca were run over by a truck,” and the 60-year-old was “turned into a punching bag” onto which Atlético “could unload their dreams, blow by blow.”
The Madrid-based sports newspaper particularly targeted one of Flick’s personnel decisions: the lineup of Marc Casadó. The 22-year-old was taken off the field after 36 minutes, having received a yellow card. “A colossal mistake,” the paper judged regarding the midfielder’s lineup.
Press delivers harsh verdict: “Absolute disaster”
Atlético was already leading 4-0 in the first half, raising serious doubts early on whether FC Barcelona could defend its title as Spanish Cup winner.
Sport headlined: “What an absolute disaster!”, Mundo Deportivo opined: “Simeone’s team annihilates the Blaugrana in the first half.” The challenge of turning this result around in the return leg “borders on the epic.” Barca was “unrecognizable.”
Marca recognized a home advantage for the Rojiblancos: “The Metropolitano immediately turned into a madhouse that forced Barca to their knees.” “The truth lies on the pitch and there Barca failed,” commented As .
Bitter evening for Barca keeper
Barca keeper Joan García had a bitter evening, allowing a blatant blunder for the 0-1 goal. The Spaniard let a back pass from defender Eric García (8th) roll under his sole into his own goal. “Not even Joan García was spared, failing miserably on the first goal,” judged Sport .
“The bitterest night for Joan García,” headlined Mundo Deportivo. His “monumental error,” according to Marca , will “go down in cup history.”
Hansi Flick and FC Barcelona still have a chance in the second leg. This will take place on March 3rd at Camp Nou. Nevertheless, a miracle is probably needed.