Tag: Copa del Rey

Barcelona injury blow as Jules Kounde limps off early vs Atletico

Jules Kounde
March 2026

Kounde went off early with an apparent right calf muscle issue, worsening Barcelona’s problems during a must-win semi-final second leg. He pulled up after a defensive action, grabbed his calf, and was quickly replaced after the medical staff assessed he could not continue.

Griezmann close to shock March move to Orlando City, Atletico farewell planned

Antoine Griezmann
February 2026

Antoine Griezmann is reportedly nearing a mid-season switch to MLS with Orlando City, leaving Atletico during a decisive stretch in Spain and Europe. Negotiations are described as advanced, with Orlando staff travelling to Spain; Griezmann is expected to play a small run of final fixtures including a Copa del Rey semi-final second leg vs Barcelona, then a farewell at home against Real Sociedad.

Barcelona Players Challenge Flick’s High Line After 4-0 Atletico Loss

Hansi Flick
February 2026

Senior players raised concerns that the aggressive high line was wrong for the game conditions and personnel available, asking for more pragmatism in high-stakes matches. A training-ground review followed the loss, with Flick questioning intensity while players flagged tactical risk without key injured creators. They are not pushing to abandon the system, but want clearer adaptation based on opponent, match state, and who is fit.

Simeone Mocks Yamal as Atletico Blow Barcelona Away in Copa First Leg

Lamine Yamal
February 2026

Atletico went 4-0 up by half-time and Simeone was filmed holding up three fingers toward Yamal after the third goal, rubbing in the scoreline during Barcelona’s collapse. Goals came via an early own goal and quick strikes that put Barcelona out of the tie’s control, with Simeone’s touchline sprint and gesture becoming a flashpoint moment.

Mourinho Rejects Real Madrid Return Amid Arbeloa Chaos

Jose Mourinho
January 2026

Mourinho dismissed speculation linking him to a second Real Madrid stint, as Madrid’s week spiralled from Alonso’s departure to a Copa del Rey shock exit and a tense Bernabeu atmosphere despite a league win. After the Super Cup final loss to Barcelona, Alonso left and Arbeloa took over, then suffered a cup elimination and heard boos in the subsequent league match; Mourinho responded by distancing himself from the drama and rejecting “soap opera” narratives.

Elche star Rodrigo Mendoza sparks transfer fight as Man City join Real Madrid and Juventus

Rodrigo Mendoza (Elche)
November 2025

Rodrigo Mendoza has emerged as a sought after midfielder with a 20 million euro release clause after stepping up from Elche’s academy to score in both La Liga and the Copa del Rey, while also shining for Spain Under 21s during a rapid rise that attracts elite scouts. Manchester City, Real Madrid, Juventus and Arsenal are all tracking the 20 year old after Elche extended his contract to 2028, with the clause seen as affordable for top clubs, creating growing expectation that his strong domestic and youth international performances will trigger a move next year.

Flick Eyes Historic Treble After Clásico Copa Final Secured

Hansi Flick (Barcelona)
Post-match, following 1-0 win vs Atlético Madrid on Wednesday

Flick reveals he’s dreaming of a treble after Barça sealed a 5-4 aggregate win over Atlético Madrid to reach the Copa del Rey final.
Ferran Torres scored the match-winner, and Barcelona are now alive in all three competitions — leading LaLiga, in the Champions League quarterfinals vs Dortmund, and headed to a Clásico Copa final vs Real Madrid on April 26. Flick credited a December defeat to Atlético as the team’s turning point, and emphasized staying focused game-by-game.

Ferran Torres: Barcelona Dreaming of Historic Treble

Ferran Torres, Barcelona
March 2025

Torres says Barcelona believe they can repeat their historic treble from 2009 and 2015.
The team is still competing in LaLiga, Copa del Rey (semifinal tied 4-4 vs. Atlético Madrid), and the Champions League, fueling confidence that a treble is within reach.

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