Simeone Praises Barca After Copa Exit
Last update: March 4, 2026
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Diego Simeone praises Barcelona’s performance after Atletico Madrid advanced 4–3 on aggregate in Copa del Rey...
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone admitted that FC Barcelona “played brilliantly” despite his side eliminating them from the Copa del Rey on Tuesday night, March 3.
Atletico advanced 4–3 on aggregate after Barcelona’s 3–0 win in the second leg fell just short of overturning the heavy 4–0 deficit from the first leg.
Speaking after the match, Simeone revealed he exchanged words with Barcelona coach Hansi Flick at full-time and expressed admiration for the Catalan side’s performance.
“He was telling me his opinion on situations that happened in the match, and I told him they played brilliantly. I hope we can face each other in the Champions League quarterfinals so we can compete at our best,” Simeone said.
CBI News reports that Barcelona had suffered a heavy defeat in the first leg at the Wanda Metropolitano but responded strongly at home.
Goals from Marc Bernal and a penalty converted by Raphinha kept their comeback hopes alive, with Bernal scoring again to intensify pressure on Atletico.
Simeone acknowledged the intensity of the return leg and the challenge his team faced.
“Today, when we were up 3-0, I said, ‘This is Atleti.’ Pedri, Balde, Bernal... made a tremendous effort. It was difficult to maintain the intensity of the first half. Giménez’s entrance gave us maturity. And that maturity is needed within a team,” he stated.
Atletico secured their place in the final, where they will face either Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao.
There is also the possibility of another meeting between Atletico and Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.
Barcelona will face Newcastle United in the last 16, while Atletico are set to play Tottenham Hotspur, with a potential quarter-final clash on the horizon.
