Barcelona’s first‑leg Copa del Rey semi was a harsh blow — a 0‑4 defeat at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano that many will want to erase. That loss not only all but ended their cup hopes but also knocked momentum off the side. They now travel to Girona, who are winless in their last three games, but Barcelona look mentally fragile and could be vulnerable early on.
Lessons to learn. If there is one match Barcelona must reflect on, it is the recent defeat to Atlético Madrid. Hansi Flick said after the game his players simply weren’t up for the task: they were outplayed, their pressing lacked coordination and relentlessness, the defence was not cohesive, and individual errors led to four goals inside 45 minutes. How the team responds to that humiliation will be telling — if motivated, they should come out with more desire to correct mistakes and impose themselves.
The captain returns. Flick stated he views Raphinha as the side’s best player last season and stressed how different the team looks with and without him. Raphinha has been out since the Albacete game; he wasn’t risked against Atlético but is now cleared and available. He’s unlikely to start but is expected to come off the bench relatively early — especially with Marcus Rashford unavailable — bringing pace, finishing and leadership.
Possible full‑back change. The full‑back department was particularly exposed midweek: Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé were repeatedly beaten by Atlético’s quick wingers and counterattacks. Balde has been good recently but was compromised by a lack of natural width on the left; Koundé has not looked like his best this season. Flick may consider alternative setups: João Cancelo is an option to start in Koundé’s place, and Balde could be shifted up to left wing if Raphinha doesn’t start, with, according to the piece, Gerard Marín helping cover defensive duties to better distribute responsibilities.
