Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has urged his players to show an immediate reaction in Monday’s La Liga clash with Girona following their humiliating 4-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.
Diego Simeone’s side overwhelmed Barcelona at the Metropolitano Stadium on 15 January 2026, exposing defensive frailties and dominating individual duels. Flick admitted his team failed to match Atletico’s intensity in what he described as a “Champions League level” contest.
“Atletico were ready for this fight,” Flick said on 17 January 2026. “The first 45 minutes were not right. We did not have the attitude to be competitive in every duel. This is what I want from the team.”
The defeat allowed Real Madrid, who beat Real Sociedad on 17 January 2026, to move two points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga. Despite the setback, Flick insisted the title race remains wide open.
“It can happen that you lose against a top team,” he added. “What is important is how you react. We have huge quality when we play as a team.”
There was positive news on the injury front, with Raphinha declared fit to face Girona, while Marcus Rashford remains sidelined with a knee problem, though he is recovering.
Barcelona have also lodged an official complaint with the Spanish football federation over refereeing inconsistencies, but Flick conceded the heavy defeat was not down to the officials.
“It was not the referee’s fault we lost. What we can change, we will change,” he said.
