Barcelona faces a significant challenge in its quest for the Copa del Rey title, having been dealt a blow with the confirmed absence of several key players for the first leg of the semi-final against rivals Atlético Madrid, scheduled to be played at the notoriously difficult Wanda Metropolitano stadium. German coach Hansi Flick confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the team will suffer from these significant absences, which will put his tactical plans to a real test.
In detail, Flick announced that Brazilian winger Rafinha will be unavailable for selection, as he continues to recover from a muscle problem in his left thigh that has sidelined him for a week. The German coach stressed the need to handle the player's injury carefully to avoid any setbacks, especially after he suffered two similar injuries this season. Flick said: "We have to take it one step at a time and take good care of him. He's a player who gives his all on the pitch. It's best to deal with it immediately, even if it means taking a short break.".
Historical context and anticipated confrontation
The Copa del Rey holds special significance for both teams. It's the oldest football competition in Spain and represents a genuine opportunity to salvage their season with a major title. Historically, matches between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid are footballing derbies in themselves, often characterized by intense rivalry and a tactical battle between Barcelona's possession-based, attacking philosophy and Diego Simeone's team's renowned defensive solidity and rapid counter-attacks. Adding to the importance of this encounter is the fact that winning the cup could provide a tremendous morale boost for the victorious team as they continue their campaigns in La Liga and European competitions.
The impact of absences on Barcelona's plans
Rafinha's absence isn't the only hurdle; the injury list extends to key players in the Catalan squad. The Brazilian winger joins young midfielders Pedri and Gavi, the team's heartbeat, on the sidelines, as well as Danish defender Andreas Christensen. These multiple absences, particularly in midfield and attack, force Flick to reshuffle his cards and search for alternative solutions, which could affect the team's identity and its ability to impose its usual style against a stubborn and well-organized opponent like Atlético Madrid.
When asked if Barcelona's path in the cup was "easy," Flick replied with a wry smile, "Ask the big teams that were eliminated early," implying that the tournament is full of surprises and that every match has its own dynamics. The German coach also addressed the importance of the players' mental health, commenting on defender Ronald Araujo's previous statements about suffering from psychological pressure, and affirming the club's full support for the player. Flick said, "The fact that he's speaking about it like this shows how strong he is. We need to take better care of the players, including ourselves as coaches.".
