SOCCER: Flick calls Atletico thrashing a 'wake-up call' as Simeone hails electric energy at Metropolitano

MADRID – Barcelona manager Hansi Flick called his team’s 4-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg a “wake-up call,” urging his players to learn from the humbling loss.

At a raucous Metropolitano Stadium, Atletico handed the defending champions their heaviest defeat of the season, leaving Barcelona with a steep challenge ahead of the second leg at Camp Nou.

Flick, candid in his post-match comments, criticized his team’s lack of cohesion but remained determined about their chances in the return match.

“Look, we didn’t play well as a team. And when you don’t play like that, you don’t play well. There was a long distance between players. There was a lack of pressing,” Flick told reporters.

“Sometimes it’s good to learn a lesson like that. Today was a wake-up call, a tough defeat. We have to accept this lesson.”

The German coach acknowledged that his side was second-best from the start, though he noted some improvement after halftime.

“We didn’t play well from the first minute. We have a young team, but that’s no excuse. The second half was better… But we’ll fight. We have two 45-minute halves to score two goals in each half,” he said.

Meanwhile, Atletico manager Diego Simeone praised both his players and the electric atmosphere at the Metropolitano, crediting the fans for inspiring the team’s standout performance.

“You could feel incredible energy in the stadium, and life is energy,” Simeone said.

“It was directed from our fans towards us, and we were able to match it… I think we played very well. Today’s match will be remembered regardless of how the tie ends.

“Our fans need these matches, these important nights. We were able to repay their enthusiasm in the best possible way.”

The second leg is set for two weeks from now, with Barcelona relying on Flick’s resolve and Atletico aiming to maintain their commanding advantage.

-Reporting by Fernando Kallas; Editing by Michael Perry/Reuters