The three reasons why Barcelona are confident they can seal a stunning comeback against Atletico

Barcelona’s 4-0 first-leg deficit to Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final has been branded a mountain, yet inside the Camp Nou dressing room the mood is defiantly optimistic. Mundo Deportivo report that Hansi Flick’s squad believe a remontada is not only possible but probable, and they have marshalled three core arguments to support their conviction.

First, the numbers in front of goal. To advance, Barcelona must score at least four times without reply, a scenario they have already enacted 12 times this season. Valladolid, Valencia, Young Boys and Olympiacos have all been on the receiving end of four-goal thrashings, while the Catalans top La Liga’s scoring charts with 63 goals from 23 fixtures. Their 22 Champions League goals from eight group-stage matches—only one fewer than Arsenal—underlines a potency that invites dreams of another avalanche.

Second, the cavalry is coming. Raphinha and Pedri, absent through injury in the opening leg, are expected to return for the second instalment. Atlético’s own Antoine Griezmann admitted the duo’s absence emboldened his side to press higher and strike early; their reappearance would immediately restore balance and menace to Barcelona’s attacking transitions.

Third, the venue itself. Since moving back to the refurbished Camp Nou, Flick’s team have yet to drop a point or concede a goal on home soil this campaign. The manager has publicly set the incremental target of winning each half 2-0, a scoreline that would complete the aggregate recovery. Atlético, meanwhile, face a congested calendar that includes a Champions League play-off against Club Brugge, potentially sapping energy and sharpness at the worst possible moment.

History adds a final layer of belief: the stadium was the scene of the famous 6-1 destruction of PSG in 2017, the benchmark for European comebacks. If Barcelona channel that spirit and marry it to their current firepower, returning stars and fortress-like surroundings, another legendary night may be on the horizon.