FC Barcelona equalized against Atlótico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, needing just four goals to avoid elimination. However, despite a very convincing 3-0 performance at the Camp Nou, they suffered a tough 4-0 defeat in the first leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano and were eliminated.
Rafinha’s words after the defeat
This scenario was exactly what Rafinha said after losing his chance to win a new title in 2026. The Brazilian winger was outstanding in the match, scoring a goal, so he took time to analyze what happened and revealed that all eyes have now shifted to La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
“I’m very proud of this team. If we keep playing like this, it’s going to be a great end to the season. I’m sure the fans are proud too. It showed in what happened at the end of the game. We also know that we have a team in front of us that will defend what is ours (…) It’s time to think about the weekend. What happened today is in the past.”
“Atltico finished the job in the first game and we have to give them credit,” continued Rafinha. “It’s time to lift our heads up. Tomorrow is another day. We have to go home proud of what we’ve done. Now let’s focus on the weekend, the league and the Champions, that’s what lies ahead of us,” added the Barcelona star.
Even after this disastrous defeat in the Spanish Cup, Barcelona still have strong options in both the La Liga title race and the Champions League knockout stages. In the domestic league, Hansi Flick’s side remain top of the table after 26 matches and have a four-point advantage over Real Madrid in the standings with 12 games remaining.
In the 2026 Champions League, the Catalan team will secure a spot in the Round of 16 and will face Premier League side Newcastle United, in what is expected to be a fierce showdown in Europe.
