Flick talks Pedri, Cubarsi, Lewandowski, Torres after Barcelona 4-4 Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid delivered a thrilling contest in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals, ending in a dramatic 4-4 draw.

The match showcased the attacking quality and competitive spirit of two of Europe’s most in-form teams.

With both sides displaying relentless energy and a hunger for goals, the clash lived up to its high expectations. However, the decisive moment in the tie will come on April 2, when the two teams meet again in Madrid for the second leg.

Hansi Flick’s analysis

Hansi Flick was happy with the performance but asked for improvement. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Despite sharing the spoils, manager Hansi Flick feels that Barcelona’s performance for the majority of the match was commendable. He said that the team maintained control, dictated the tempo, and created several goal-scoring opportunities.

“We played very well for 75 minutes. Now we have a great opportunity to show that we can win at the Metropolitano.

“We will give it our all, today we saw that we did not give up after conceding two goals at the start of the match,” he began saying.

One of the key takeaways from the encounter was the need for defensive adjustments. The goals conceded highlighted areas that require improvement, and the coaching staff will need to address those lapses before the return leg.

“We had chances to win. We will have to talk about the goals we conceded. We have to correct our mistakes. The team is very young, there is a lot of room for improvement.”

Thoughts on Pedri and Cubarsi

Pedri scored a goal against Atletico Madrid. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Despite the defensive shortcomings, individual performances stood out. “Our attitude and mentality has been wonderful after that, but we need to work on minor details,” explained the manager.

Pedri demonstrated his exceptional talent once again, playing with confidence and creativity. His passion for the game is evident in both matches and training sessions, making him a crucial figure for the team.

“I can’t describe him, he’s incredible. He has enjoyed playing football, you can see it in the matches and in training. He enjoys playing. His quality and performance are incredible.”

Pau Cubarsi, at just 18 years old, displayed remarkable composure, playing with the maturity of a seasoned professional. His defensive contributions and ability to read the game made a significant impact.

“He’s 18 years old and he’s played like a very experienced footballer. As if he’d played 350 La Liga games. And how he’s defended. He always offers things to the team. He’s a very important player,” said the manager.

On Lewandowski and Ferran Torres

Flick praised Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Robert Lewandowski found the back of the net, reaffirming his importance in the attacking setup. Ferran Torres also got his name on the scoresheet, justifying his inclusion in the starting XI.

“Lewandowski scored, Ferran also scored goals and he deserved to play from the start.”

Barcelona’s efforts from set-pieces were a clear indication of the work put in on the training ground, with their preparation paying off.

“We worked hard. The coaches prepared for it and we saw it today. The first goal we conceded made us defend better. I’m happy with the work we did,” he noted.

As the team looks ahead to the return leg, there is a strong belief that they have what it takes to secure victory in Madrid.

Source: MARCA