soccer

Flick: Disappointed but Proud After Copa Exit

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick expressed both disappointment and pride following his team's Copa del Rey semi-final exit to Atletico Madrid despite a dramatic 3-0 comeback that ultimately fell short.

Despite Barcelona going 3-0 up with just 20 minutes remaining in their Copa del Rey semi-second leg, Atletico Madrid held on to a 4-3 aggregate victory. Flick acknowledged his team's valiant effort while noting their elimination.

'We're disappointed, but also proud of what we saw. It was an incredible match; we created so many chances. But ultimately, it didn't happen,' stated the Barcelona boss. He praised players like Bernal and Cubarsi, calling the young defender 'one of the best centre-backs in the world' while also noting injuries to Kounde and Balde. Flick challenged his side to maintain this level of performance in upcoming La Liga and Champions League matches against Bilbao and Newcastle.