A dramatic evening for FC Barcelona ended with elimination from the Copa del Rey by Atlético Madrid. This defeat comes at a high cost, not only sportingly but also in terms of squad depth. The club confirmed serious injuries to Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde, putting Hansi Flick in a difficult situation ahead of the upcoming Champions League match against Newcastle. A positive signal is the return of Robert Lewandowski to training in a special protective mask.

Defensive squad paralysis

Official confirmation of injuries to Koundé and Balde rules them out for key matches, including in the Champions League.

Lewandowski in a mask

The Polish striker has resumed training in protective gear, raising hopes for his quick return to the lineup.

Griezmann's provocation

The French player caused an online storm with his post after eliminating his former club from the Copa del Rey.

FC Barcelona's defeat in the Copa del Rey semi-final sent shockwaves through the Catalan club and resonated widely in European media. The biggest blow for coach Hansi Flick is the loss of two key defenders. Jules Koundé suffered a hamstring injury, which rules him out indefinitely and will almost certainly prevent him from playing for the French national team during the March gathering. Meanwhile, Alejandro Balde is set to be out for about four weeks, drastically limiting the team's defensive options in a crucial phase of the season. The spotlight also fell on Robert Lewandowski, whose absence was sorely felt in the attack of the Catalan Pride. The Pole has already returned to training but is forced to use a special face-protecting mask following a recent injury. Photos of the striker in the black protector, compared by the media to Zorro, circulated on social media, giving fans hope for his appearance in the next league match. However, experts and legends of Polish football express concern about the physical form of the national team captain in the context of the upcoming playoffs for a spot in an international tournament. The rivalry between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century and has often decided the fate of the season for both giants of Spanish football.Post-match emotions were stirred by Antoine Griezmann, who on social media did not spare jabs at his former club, posting a picture with a telling question about whether his current team's triumph is "too painful" for the fans at Camp Nou. Meanwhile, Diego Simeone, after advancing to the final, went with a bouquet of thanks to the Montserrat sanctuary. Frustration is growing in the Barcelona camp, and coach Hansi Flick is demanding explanations regarding certain refereeing controversies, even though the VAR system ultimately confirmed the legitimacy of Barcelona's goal. The squad situation and team morale ahead of the Champions League clash remain in question. „¿Esta foto va muy dura?” (Is this photo too harsh?) — Antoine Griezmann

Mentioned People

  • Robert Lewandowski — Captain of the Polish national team, FC Barcelona striker currently training in a protective mask.
  • Hansi Flick — FC Barcelona coach, facing a squad crisis after the cup defeat.
  • Antoine Griezmann — Atlético Madrid star, author of a provocative post after the match against Barcelona.
  • Jules Koundé — Barcelona and France national team defender, who suffered a serious muscle injury.