Diego Simeone reveals what he told Hansi Flick after Atletico knock Barcelona out of the Copa del Rey

Madrid, Spain – Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has disclosed the brief exchange he shared with Barcelona counterpart Hansi Flick moments after his side eliminated the Blaugranes from the Copa del Rey on aggregate, despite losing the second leg 3-0 at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

The tie finished 4-3 on aggregate in Atletico’s favor, rendering Barcelona’s spirited second-leg comeback insufficient. After the final whistle, television cameras captured Simeone approaching Flick on the touchline. Speaking in his post-match news conference, the Argentine coach quoted himself as telling Flick: “It was a great effort from your team; we suffered until the end. Good luck in the Champions League.”

Simeone praised Barcelona’s second-half intensity, acknowledging that the Catalans “put us under pressure that we have not felt in a long time.” He added that advancing to the semifinals “means a lot for our squad depth and confidence,” while wishing Barcelona well in their upcoming European fixtures.

Barcelona entered the contest needing to overturn a 4-0 first-leg deficit and managed to win 3-0, but the four-goal margin proved insurmountable. The result ends the club’s domestic-cup campaign and shifts their full attention toward continental competition.

Atletico, meanwhile, move one step closer to reclaiming the trophy they last lifted in 2013. Simeone’s side will learn their semifinal opponent when the draw is conducted in the coming days.