FC Barcelona came painfully close to forcing extra time in the Copa del Rey semifinal against Atlético Madrid, but the heroic effort ended with a heavy price. The team fought until the final minutes at the Spotify Camp Nou, winning 3–0, yet the 4–0 defeat in the first leg ultimately proved decisive.
Despite the elimination, the performance left a strong impression across the stadium. Hansi Flick’s side dominated long phases of the match and pushed Atlético back for much of the night.
However, the comeback attempt ended with two major setbacks for the squad. Both Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde suffered muscular injuries during the game, forcing them to leave the pitch early.
Two major absences for the coming weeks
The injuries arrive at a delicate moment of the season. Barcelona are entering a crucial stretch that includes LaLiga fixtures and the Champions League round-of-16 clash against Newcastle United.
Koundé had to leave the match after only a few minutes with discomfort in the hamstring area. Early indications point to a biceps femoris issue, although the club hopes it will not be a long-term injury.
Balde’s situation appears more worrying. The left-back felt a sharp muscular problem during the second half and immediately asked to be substituted.
Both players will undergo medical tests to determine the exact severity of the injuries. Inside the club, however, there is already an expectation that neither will return before the March international break.
Flick shows visible frustration
After the match, Flick did not hide his anger when discussing the growing number of injuries.
“We have two more injuries and I’m not happy. This is not good. We need to talk about it because this is not normal.”
The German coach made it clear that he plans to analyse the situation internally with the club’s medical staff and fitness department.
“We have to speak with the doctors and the physical trainers. It’s not normal to have three injuries in a single week.”
His comments reflect growing concern within the technical staff about the physical toll the season is taking on the squad.
The injury list grows again
Just weeks ago, the situation seemed under control in the Barça medical room. At that point only Gavi and Andreas Christensen were unavailable.
But the picture changed quickly. Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski also picked up problems in recent days, although Lewandowski could return soon.
Now Koundé and Balde have joined the list just as the schedule becomes even more demanding.
Several players also finished the Atlético match physically exhausted. Footballers like Pedri, Marc Bernal, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal pushed themselves to the limit in a match played at extremely high intensity.
Barcelona now face a demanding run of fixtures, beginning with a difficult trip to Athletic Club at San Mamés.
For Flick, the message is clear: beyond the elimination, the growing injury problem is becoming a serious concern for the club at the most decisive stage of the season.
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