Deco blames the Barcelona players for the formation of the team after the loss to Atleti
The Director of Football Deco said that Barcelona’s players lacked momentum when they suffered a heavy defeat against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi final on Thursday night. It is their worst result against Atletico since 1960, 86 years ago.
The Blaugrana were beaten by Atletico in the first half, went into the break with four goals, and in the second half they could not get back into the game. Hansi Flick admitted that his side were ‘taught a lesson’ in the first half, but noted that he hoped it came at the right time. In general, he said he was proud of the way his side had dealt with injuries this season as a whole, with Eric Garcia and Frenkie de Jong complaining about a series of mistakes in the first half.
Deco says Atletico were more powerful than Barcelona
Speaking after the match on TV3 (via Sport), Deco noted that Atletico Madrid outplayed the Blaugrana in intensity.
“The first half was difficult. They were much better than us. Stronger, more aggressive in the challenges. It is true that the field was not pleasant, but that is not an excuse. We were not good.”
🎙️ Deco dona la cara apresos de la defeata:
🔸 “La primera part ha estat dura”
🔸 “Mai havia vist que triguessin 10 minutes per group”
🔸 “Aquest aquip ha demostrat que pot remuntar”#LaCopa3Cat– Esport3 (@esport3) February 12, 2026
“In the second half, we improved, we were aggressive, we won a lot of duels, and we had a chance to score goals. I don’t know if it was because of VAR, but there are no excuses.”
‘It’s not about the players we don’t have’ – Deco
Deco was asked how the absence has affected Barcelona, and whether the return of players like Gavi, Pedri or Raphinha will help them to come back in the second leg.
“Today it wasn’t a question of what we did or didn’t have. It was a question of intensity. We knew that Atletico have a team with good players, they improved with their winter signings, and we didn’t approach the first half as well as we should have done. I think we will be better. The more players you bring back, the better.”
Deco is moving to La Liga
Flick noted after the game, as did Eric Garcia, that they felt they could come back in the second leg. Deco was determined to divert his attention from La Liga activities.
“Barca have shown us many times that there is an amazing comeback at Camp Nou. It will be difficult, but it will not be impossible. It is an opportunity to try, to play at home, in a better stadium, to play our style, to score goals, and to try to score goals.”
🚨 Frenkie de Jong: “In the offside photo we don’t see contact with the ball, when Fermín López shoots. Later there is another photo and it is clearly seen that the defender is one meter behind Robert Lewandowski. Surprise, shame…” pic.twitter.com/eHm0TusjmJ
– barcacentre (@barcacentre) February 13, 2026
“Now we have to focus on the league; that’s the most important thing. Another difficult game on Monday. If we play with the necessary intensity, we can win, but if we play like we did today, it will be difficult.”
Barcelona face Girona in Montilivi on Monday night, while Real Madrid have a chance to put the Blaugrana in second place on Saturday night. Los Blancos are a point behind, and Flick will have just three days to sort things out, and heal his side emotionally.
