Barcelona have a mountain to climb if they are to reach the final of the Copa del Rey after going down 4-0 to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their semi-final tie
.Yet the players haven’t given up hope and are optimistic they can pull another stunning remontada out of the bag at Camp Nou next month.
According to Mundo Deportivo, there are several reasons why the dressing room is full of belief that this tie is not over yet.
Goals, goals, goals
Barcelona need at least four against Atletico but have been scoring goals
for fun this season. They’ve managed 12 wins by at least four goals this season and have handed out thrashings to Real Valladolid, Valencia, Young Boys and Olympiacos.
Hansi Flick’s side are easily the highest scoring team in La Liga (63 from 23 games) and were the second highest in the Champions League along with Bayern (22 from eight games – just one behind Arsenal).
Raphinha and Pedri to return
Barcelona were without Raphinha and Pedri against Atletico and it certainly showed. The duo were badly missed but should be fit for the return.
Atletico star Antoine Griezmann highlighted how his side took advantage of the pair’s absence on Thursday night. He told DAZN: “Barcelona didn’t have Pedri or Raphinha, who are very dangerous and important for them. That was what gave us the courage to press higher and strike them hard.”
We all know how vital these two are to Barcelona and that they will look a different team with them in the starting XI.
Fortress Camp Nou
The two teams will play the second leg at Camp Nou where Barcelona have been simply perfect so far this season since returning to their famous old home.
Flick has already said he thinks his team can win each half 2-0, and they may also be helped by the fact that Atletico’s schedule is more congested in the next few weeks due to a Champions League play-off tie against Club Brugge.
The Camp Nou has already been the scenes of one of the greatest comebacks in football history – the infamous remontada against PSG – and Barca need to channel that spirit if they are to make it through.
Do you think Barcelona can turn this around? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
