Barcelona are plotting a dramatic comeback after last week’s 0–2 first-leg loss to Atlético. “We have plenty of players capable of turning things around, which is why I have great confidence in our team,” said attacking star Lamine Yamal on Monday. Coach Flick added: “We don’t need a miracle, just a good performance. We have the players who can turn this around. Of course we’ll have to fight, but we need to focus on what makes us special.”
Barça played most of the first leg with ten men after centre-back Pau Cubarsi was sent off just before half-time, and Atlético went on to score through Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sörloth.
Earlier in the Copa del Rey, Barcelona had also targeted a turnaround against Atlético, yet that bid ultimately failed. In the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg in mid-February, the LaLiga leaders had gone down 0-4 in Madrid. In the return leg early in March, Flick’s side came close to a comeback but could only muster a 3-0 win, and Atleti advanced to the final.