Barcelona’s sporting director Deco expressed clear disappointment after his team suffered a heavy defeat to Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. The tie was effectively set back on track early on, with a shocking 0-4 scoreline at half-time that leaves Barcelona with a steep challenge ahead of the return match.
Speaking to the media after the match, Deco agreed with manager Hansi Flick’s assessment that Atlético showed greater intent in the opening stages. He highlighted that the difference in intensity and aggression was obvious from the first whistle and that those early moments tilted the contest in Atlético’s favor.
Evaluating the performance, Deco admitted Barcelona were second-best across many key aspects in the first half. While he acknowledged the pitch was not ideal, he said this cannot be used as an excuse for the poor display. The team improved after the break and did find the net, but Deco said he was unsure about the exact timing of a video review that followed the goal.
He has not given up on the second leg, stressing that the squad has previously produced comebacks and can try to do so again. Deco insisted that the club’s main priority remains the La Liga campaign and urged a swift response from the players in their next fixture.
Looking ahead, Deco pointed to a tough match coming up on Monday against Girona, saying that if the team brings the required intensity they can win, but repeating today’s display would make victory difficult. He also noted that by early March key figures such as Pedri, Raphinha and Marcus Rashford are expected back from injury, which should strengthen the squad. Still, he emphasized that the problem in this match was intensity rather than simply missing personnel.
Deco acknowledged Atlético have improved with their winter additions and that Barcelona failed to approach the first half properly. He reminded fans that spectacular comebacks at Camp Nou have happened before and, while overturning this deficit will be hard, it is not impossible. At home, on better turf and playing in their own style, Barcelona will seek opportunities to score and try to create a special night.
