Barcelona Face Uphill Battle Against Atlético Madrid in Copa del Rey Semifinal

Barcelona will attempt a significant comeback when they host Atlético Madrid in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal on Tuesday, March 3rd. Trailing 4-0 from the first leg, manager Hansi Flick is urging his team to believe the “impossible is possible.”

Flick Calls for Belief and Intensity

Despite the daunting deficit, Hansi Flick remains optimistic. He emphasized the importance of a team effort, stating, “The team is the focus…We need everyone on the pitch. We are four goals behind. We want to make the impossible possible.” Flick also highlighted the need for a strong defensive performance, adding, “A clean sheet is important, but also to believe in our strength, to believe that we can do it.”

Flick admitted this is uncharted territory for him, having never faced such a large deficit in a cup tie second leg. However, he drew inspiration from Barcelona’s 4-0 win over Borussia Dortmund last season, hoping to replicate that performance. “We have a good example, too: the game against Dortmund here last season, 4-0,” he noted.

Yamal and Lewandowski Key to Barcelona’s Hopes

While acknowledging the need for a collective effort, Flick recognizes the importance of key players like Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski. Yamal, fresh off a hat-trick against Villarreal in La Liga on February 28th, will be crucial in Barcelona’s attack. Lewandowski, who scored in the recent league match, will also be expected to contribute.

Match Details and Odds

• Date: Tuesday, March 3rd
• Time: 3:00 PM ET
• Location: Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
• Live Stream: ESPN+

Barcelona are currently favored to win the second leg, with odds of -220. A draw is priced at +400, while an Atlético Madrid victory is at +450.

Predicted Lineups

Barcelona: Joan Garcia; Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Alejandro Balde; Frenkie de Jong, Eric Garcia; Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Fermin Lopez; Ferran Torres.

Atlético Madrid: Juan Musso; Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, David Hancko, Matteo Ruggeri; Rodrigo Mendoza, Koke; Alexander Sorloth, Giuliano Simeone, Julian Alvarez; Ademola Lookman.

Looking Ahead

Barcelona faces a monumental task to overcome the 4-0 deficit against Atlético Madrid. While the odds are stacked against them, Flick’s belief and the potential of players like Yamal and Lewandowski offer a glimmer of hope for a dramatic comeback at the Spotify Camp Nou.