SPORT asked readers for their take after the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final at the Metropolitano. Fans responded with a range of views, blaming individuals, tactics, and the club’s transfer policy while suggesting changes for next season.
Juanjo (13 FEB 2026 - 15:51): He believes that with Koundé and Baldé it will be impossible to win a Champions League.
Oscar (13 FEB 2026 - 15:45): Every player had some influence, he says, but the decisive factor was the squad’s lack of competitiveness, especially in the first half.
José Manuel (13 FEB 2026 - 15:42): He points the finger mainly at Flick, accusing him of poor game planning and of failing to stop the bleeding. He also highlights the financial gap between clubs: Barcelona have spent €240 million during Laporta’s term, while Atlético invested €450 million over the last two seasons.
Luis Enrique (13 FEB 2026 - 15:31): He calls the system very risky — as soon as an opponent showed intensity, the problems followed. The defense often appears asleep, they do not mark or block shots, and the midfield and attack don’t help enough defensively. He says they won’t win anything this year unless the club signs two center-backs, a defensive midfielder, a central striker and an outside attacker to replace current players.
Joan Casells (13 FEB 2026 - 15:29): He blames the poor attitude of many players — they are good, but none are a true star. Atlético showed more desire and probably functioned better as a team.
Edgar Busamante (13 FEB 2026 - 15:27): «How long will Koundé stay?» — he argues Koundé should have left a long time ago.
Joel (13 FEB 2026 - 15:26): In short: bad plan (coach) and poor execution (players).
Josep (13 FEB 2026 - 14:57): He says the initial game plan was incorrect and adds that De Jong lacks the character needed for these matches — Flick was wrong.
Jaime Leal (13 FEB 2026 - 14:24): He calls for selling players to fund reinforcements, saying those who don’t perform at first-team level should be moved on if there’s a market. His suggested departures include Koundé, De Jong, Casadó and Marín. Combined with not renewing Lewandowski, that would free space to sign a central striker, a left-footed centre-back and a right full-back, and to promote two or three academy players.
Javier Garcia (13 FEB 2026 - 14:23): He argues that without Pedri there is no true midfield; both Fermín and Olmo are false nines, and the full-backs are not convincing defensively.
