soccer

Flick: 'Disappointed but proud' after Barcelona's Copa exit

Barcelona were eliminated from the Copa del Rey by Atletico Madrid after a 4‑3 aggregate defeat, with manager Hansi Flick expressing disappointment but pride in his team's performance.

The Blaugrana fell 4‑3 on aggregate after a dramatic semi‑final that saw them lead 3‑0 with 20 minutes left. Flick praised the effort, saying the team left everything on the pitch but was disappointed by the loss.

He highlighted standout performances from Bernal and defender Cubarsi, noted injuries to Kounde and Balde, and urged the squad to recover and focus on upcoming La Liga and Champions League fixtures against Bilbao and Newcastle.