Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News 
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid delivered an exhilarating contest within the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals, ending in a dramatic 4-4 draw.
The match showcased the attacking high quality and aggressive spirit of two of Europe’s most in-form groups.
With each side displaying relentless power and a starvation for targets, the conflict lived as much as its excessive expectations. Nonetheless, the decisive second within the tie will come on April 2, when the 2 groups meet once more in Madrid for the second leg.
Hansi Flick’s evaluation
Hansi Flick was pleased with the efficiency however requested for enchancment. (Picture by Alex Caparros/Getty Photographs)
Regardless of sharing the spoils, supervisor Hansi Flick feels that Barcelona’s efficiency for almost all of the match was commendable. He mentioned that the staff maintained management, dictated the tempo, and created a number of goal-scoring alternatives.
“We performed very effectively for 75 minutes. Now now we have a fantastic alternative to indicate that we are able to win on the Metropolitano.
“We’ll give it our all, at present we noticed that we didn’t surrender after conceding two targets at first of the match,” he started saying.
One of many key takeaways from the encounter was the necessity for defensive changes. The targets conceded highlighted areas that require enchancment, and the teaching employees might want to handle these lapses earlier than the return leg.
“We had probabilities to win. We should speak concerning the targets we conceded. Now we have to appropriate our errors. The staff may be very younger, there’s loads of room for enchancment.”
Ideas on Pedri and Cubarsi
Pedri scored a objective towards Atletico Madrid. (Picture by David Ramos/Getty Photographs)
Regardless of the defensive shortcomings, particular person performances stood out. “Our perspective and mentality has been great after that, however we have to work on minor particulars,” defined the supervisor.
Pedri demonstrated his distinctive expertise as soon as once more, enjoying with confidence and creativity. His ardour for the sport is obvious in each matches and coaching periods, making him a vital determine for the staff.
“I can’t describe him, he’s unimaginable. He has loved enjoying soccer, you may see it within the matches and in coaching. He enjoys enjoying. His high quality and efficiency are unimaginable.”
Pau Cubarsi, at simply 18 years previous, displayed exceptional composure, enjoying with the maturity of a seasoned skilled. His defensive contributions and skill to learn the sport made a major impression.
“He’s 18 years previous and he’s performed like a really skilled footballer. As if he’d performed 350 La Liga video games. And the way he’s defended. He all the time presents issues to the staff. He’s a vital participant,” mentioned the supervisor.
On Lewandowski and Ferran Torres
Flick praised Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. (Picture by Alex Caparros/Getty Photographs)
Robert Lewandowski discovered the again of the online, reaffirming his significance within the attacking setup. Ferran Torres additionally received his identify on the scoresheet, justifying his inclusion within the beginning XI.
“Lewandowski scored, Ferran additionally scored targets and he deserved to play from the beginning.”
Barcelona’s efforts from set-pieces had been a transparent indication of the work put in on the coaching floor, with their preparation paying off.
“We labored laborious. The coaches ready for it and we noticed it at present. The primary objective we conceded made us defend higher. I’m pleased with the work we did,” he famous.
Because the staff appears forward to the return leg, there’s a robust perception that they’ve what it takes to safe victory in Madrid.
Supply: MARCA
