Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has urged his side to aim for the “impossible” as they prepare to host Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. Trailing 4-0 from the first leg, Barca need a spectacular turnaround to stay in contention for the trophy.
“We are four goals behind, so we want to make the impossible possible, this is our goal for tomorrow,” Flick told reporters ahead of Tuesday’s match. “We all know that it’s not easy but in the end we never give up, and we start this match aiming for a clean sheet, believing in our strengths and that we can do it.”
Barcelona showed signs of form over the weekend, thrashing Villarreal 4-1 in La Liga with teenager Lamine Yamal scoring his first career hat-trick. Flick praised Yamal’s performance but stressed that a collective team effort is crucial for any hope of a comeback against Diego Simeone’s side.
“The team is always in focus,” Flick said. “We need everyone, not only Lamine, to deliver if we want to make a comeback.”
Despite missing injured striker Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona could have Pedri Gonzalez available to start, after the midfielder made substitute appearances following a hamstring issue. Flick also highlighted tactical plans to counter Atletico’s defensive strengths, noting that they would target areas where key players are less comfortable.
Atletico, third in La Liga and 13 points behind Barcelona, view the cup as their best opportunity for silverware this season. Coach Diego Simeone remained focused on his team’s objectives, saying, “When you start in pre-season, you want to be fighting for everything in March. We are doing well in the Copa and in the Champions League.”
Tuesday’s clash at Camp Nou promises high stakes as Barcelona aim to overturn a daunting 4-0 deficit and keep their Copa del Rey hopes alive.
