Barcelona face uphill Copa task, President Laporta calls for unity
He said now more than ever, the team needs support to fight against all challenges and try for a historic comeback in the return leg on 3 March.
FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta has called on fans to support the team after their heavy 4-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.
"All my support to Hansi Flick, the players, Deco and his team. With the strength of all the Barça fans, I am convinced that we have a historic opportunity to make a great comeback," Laporta wrote on X yesterday (13 February).
He acknowledged the difficulties in Madrid, including a poor pitch and a disallowed goal. In his post, Laporta also referenced Pau Cubarsí's ruled-out goal and compared it with a previous controversial decision against Lamine Yamal.
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The first leg at the Wanda Metropolitano saw Atletico take control early, reports Reuters. Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia allowed a routine back pass to slip under his foot, giving Atletico the lead in the sixth minute.
Atletico quickly doubled the lead when Antoine Griezmann finished a flowing move. Giuliano Simeone and Ademola Lookman combined for the third goal, and Lookman assisted Julian Alvarez for the fourth just before halftime.
Barcelona dominated possession with 70% in the first half but struggled to create clear chances. In the second half, Cubarsí turned in a rebound from a free kick, only for the goal to be ruled out after a lengthy VAR review.
Laporta urged fans to show their love and pride for the players. He said now more than ever, the team needs support to fight against all challenges and try for a historic comeback in the return leg on 3 March.
