Barcelona hungry for titles as they brace for Cup semi at Atletico

Madrid, April 1: Barcelona are in scintillating form as they march forward in pursuit of multiple titles this season. Unbeaten in their last 20 matches across all competitions, the Catalan giants remain the only side in Europe’s top five leagues yet to taste defeat in 2025.
With the team playing some of its most exhilarating football in recent years, fans have begun to believe that a historic treble could be within reach.
However, manager Hansi Flick has emphasized that performances alone will not define their campaign; it is the silverware that will truly measure their success.
As they prepare for a high-stakes Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, Flick insists his team is ready to give everything to secure their place in the final.
The first leg, played in February, ended in a thrilling 4-4 draw, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Beyond their domestic cup ambitions, Barcelona are also leading the LaLiga standings, holding a slender three-point advantage over arch-rivals Real Madrid. Additionally, they have booked their spot in the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will face Borussia Dortmund in the first leg next week.
“I am hungry for titles, and we are going all in,” Flick stated confidently in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday. “Tomorrow’s match feels like a final, and we see it as a fantastic opportunity to take a step closer to lifting another trophy.“We are immensely proud of what we have achieved so far this season. This team has worked tirelessly to reach this point, and it is not by chance that we are here. Every challenge has been met with the right response, and I must commend the players and staff for their dedication.
Their attitude has been remarkable – they never stop giving their best, no matter the circumstances. But, in the end, football is about winning titles, and that is what truly matters.”
Flick also expressed his satisfaction with the team’s progress, praising the unity and atmosphere within the dressing room. “Everyone is pleased with how we are playing, the improvements we have made, and the style of football we are displaying. As a coach, I couldn’t ask for more from this squad. However, we cannot afford to relax now – we must maintain this momentum.”
Barcelona have already tasted success this season, having claimed the Spanish Super Cup in January by defeating Real Madrid in the final. But for Flick, that triumph is already in the past, and his focus remains on the challenges ahead. “Winning the Super Cup was an important milestone, but it is history now. Our goal is to reach the Copa del Rey final, though we know it won’t be easy.”
Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, find themselves in a precarious position. Their Champions League campaign came to an abrupt end in the round of 16 after a defeat to city rivals Real Madrid. Furthermore, their LaLiga title challenge has faltered, with Diego Simeone’s side struggling to keep pace with the top two after failing to secure a win in their last three league outings. Currently sitting third in the table with 57 points, Atletico are nine points behind Barcelona and six adrift of Real Madrid.
Flick acknowledged that Wednesday’s match could represent Atletico’s last real chance to secure silverware this season. “For them, the Copa del Rey is the closest title in reach,” he said. “They know that one good performance can take them to the final, and that will serve as a massive motivation. But the same applies to us. We are well aware of the challenge ahead.
“Atletico have a world-class coach in Diego Simeone – a man who knows exactly how to navigate high-pressure games like this. They are a side that fights until the very last minute, making them extremely tough opponents. LaLiga is still open, but this match is crucial, and we expect nothing less than a fierce battle.”
With everything to play for, Wednesday’s clash promises to be a gripping encounter. Both sides will be eager to take the next step toward domestic glory, and with so much at stake, fans can expect an intense, tactical, and possibly dramatic affair at the Wanda Metropolitano. (Reuters)