Barcelona exited the Copa del Rey 4-3 on aggregate in their semi-final against Atletico Madrid, their comeback attempt falling short in the second leg at the Camp Nou. Despite Can Barca’s disappointment, there was some confidence gained from their performance.
Manager Hansi Flick seemed downbeat about the result, but was quick to praise his players for a ‘great’ performance and effort. Vice-captain Raphinha expressed his thoughts in his media duties after the match.
“I am very proud of this team, if we continue to play like this we will have a great end to the season.”
“I’m disappointed, not because of the game, but because we didn’t reach the final. It was our goal, obviously, but we knew how difficult it would be to come back and fight like this. Coming back from 4-0 is not easy, but if there was a team that could do it, it was us. Anyway, I’m leaving very proud of this team.”
❝ I think there was more positive than negative from the game. ❞
– Rapinha pic.twitter.com/hubXQ3IOlS
– FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 4, 2026
“I think the fans are like that, because right from the start we gave everything, and we just missed a bit. We’re disappointed not to reach the final, but I think there was more good than bad in the game. We can’t make excuses. In the first leg, we played below what we were able to do.”
After speaking to the club’s media, Raphinha told MD that Atletico Madrid deserved to win on aggregate.
“We gave everything. Atletico played very well. Atletico closed the deal in the first leg, we have to accept their merits. It’s time to hold our heads high. Tomorrow is another day. We have to leave here proud of what we did. Now it’s time to think about the weekend. Moving on to La Liga and the Champions League, that’s what we have to focus on.”
Ronald Araujo: ‘Playing like that, we can win more titles’
Captain Ronald Araujo also spoke to the Barcelona media, and he had the same message for his teammates.
“The team played a great game. To be honest, we should be proud of what we did on the pitch. We were very close, the first leg affected us a lot, but still, we are proud. You leave it sad, because in the end, the title, but playing the way we played, we should be proud. If we play like that, I think we can win other titles.”
❝ I think there was more positive than negative from the game. ❞
– Rapinha pic.twitter.com/hubXQ3IOlS
– FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 4, 2026
“Obviously 4-0 had an impact, but we just missed that goal, and you leave feeling that it was very close. We have to be proud of the fans, because they were there and it was very important, that they were happy, so we have to thank them.”
Pedri – ‘You’re sure we’re going to have a great night’
One of the unanimously praised players is Pedri Gonzalez, who was competing with Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal for the best player award.
“We gave it our all (and more) and came very, very close. There are two very important goals coming up, and I’m sure that with our effort and the support of our people, who were amazing last night, we will have a big night. Now, it’s time to charge our energy. Go up and GET UP.”
Lo dimos todo (y más) y nos quedamos muy muy cerca 🙏
Quedan dos objetivos muy importantes por delante y estoy convinced de que con nuestro esfuerzo y con el apoyo de nuestra gente, que anoche estuvo increíble, vamos a vivir grandes noches.
Ahora, toca recuperar energías 💪🏼… pic.twitter.com/r4t788Jraw
— Pedri González (@Pedri) March 4, 2026
There is little rest for the Blaugrana, who travel to Bilbao to face Athletic Club on Saturday night, then fly straight to Newcastle to face the Magpies in the Champions League on Tuesday night. They will have an extra day off with Athletic, who play tonight’s semi-final against Real Sociedad.
