Hansi Flick has refused to concede defeat after FC Barcelona’s 0-2 loss to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie at Spotify Camp Nou. Tye Catalan side’s boss has sent a clear warning to the opponents for the second leg, which will be played away.
Barcelona sends clear warning to Atletico Madrid for UCL 2nd leg after 20- home loss
Despite the setback at home, Flick remained optimistic and defiant. The former Bayern Munich head coach is not ready to give up yet. Following the match, in a post-match interview, he said:
“We played good in the first half and also in the second half with one less player. With one player less we give everything; today we were not lucky.”
Flick added:
“We will fight. It’s not done yet... we have a chance and we will try.”
The Barcelona boss praised his players’ effort and called on the team to prepare for a massive away performance in Madrid, where they must overturn the aggregate scoreline to reach the semi-finals. Despite the two-goal deficit, the German coach insisted the tie remains alive heading into the second leg at the Metropolitano.
Flick also expressed frustration over key refereeing decisions but highlighted his team’s fighting spirit even after being reduced to 10 men. He was particularly furious about a non-awarded penalty and potential second yellow card for Atletico defender Marc Pubill, who appeared to handle the ball inside the area following goalkeeper Juan Musso’s involvement.
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