Six reasons to believe in a comeback against Atlético Madrid
Nothing went right. In the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final at the Metropolitano, Atlético Madrid were clearly superior to FC Barcelona and, with four first-half goals, handed the blaugrana a heavy blow. After the break, Flick’s side improved and had a Pau Cubarsí goal disallowed in rather bizarre fashion after an interminable VAR review.
All in all, it was a match to forget, but the Barça coach already stressed in his post-match press conference that his team are “capable of turning it around” although they will need to produce an almost perfect performance. It’s very difficult, there’s no denying it, but here are six reasons to believe a comeback is possible.
1 - 12 results under Flick would suffice
At least to force extra time. Since the German coach took charge, there have been 12 victories by a margin of four goals or more, a scoreline that would take the tie into extra time. Eight of those wins were by four goals exactly, and the other four by even more: 7–0 against Valladolid, 5–0 against Young Boys, 6–0 against Valencia and 6–1 against Olympiacos.
2 - Possible returns from injury
If all goes well, three key players should be available for the second leg on 3 March: Pedri, Raphinha and Rashford. The Englishman looks the most certain, having missed the first leg purely as a precaution. Pedri was injured on 21 January and was expected to be out for a month, while Raphinha has missed the last three matches and his progress will determine whether he can feature in one of the most important games of the season.
3 - Spotify Camp Nou
If there is any chance of a comeback, it lies in the bond between the team and the fans. This season that connection has been perfect, with Barça winning every home match so far. Since returning to Spotify Camp Nou it’s eight wins from eight. Winning alone isn’t enough, but it’s the first step towards believing.
4 - More time for rest
Barça’s strong Champions League campaign, finishing fifth and qualifying directly for the round of 16, means they avoid two high-intensity European matches. Atlético, meanwhile, will have to play three league games in between, as well as their Champions League tie against Club Brugge. If Barça can stay in the tie, fatigue could become a factor.
5 - The last 4-0...
In a knockout tie, that was the famous night in Paris. In the return leg, an unforgettable 6–1 sealed one of the greatest nights in Barça history. If back then the blaugrana clung to “1% chance, 99% faith”, it’s time to do so again.
6 - Crazy precedent
In the 1996/97 season, one of the most epic matches in memory took place at the Camp Nou. After a 2–2 draw in Madrid, Milinko Pantić scored a hat-trick in the first half hour of the return leg. With Barça trailing 5-2 on aggregate, everything seemed lost. Straight after the break, Ronaldo struck twice in three minutes but Pantić hit back with his fourth of the night. It took almost a miracle, but goals from Figo, Ronaldo again and Pizzi made it 5–4 on the night to complete the turnaround. On 3 March, something similar will be needed.