Barcelona defender’s message to Atletico Madrid ahead of Copa del Rey clash | OneFootball

Barcelona will brace themselves for one of their toughest challenges in 2026 so far as they take on Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal.

It won’t be a walk in the park against Diego Simeone’s men, who will have the home advantage in the first leg.

Atletico Madrid will be mindful of Barcelona’s defensive concerns as well. But heading into this affair, Barça defender Pau Cubarsi seems more than confident.

Cubarsi’s message to Atletico Madrid

In a recent interview with TV3 (h/t MARCA), Cubarsi talked about the importance of the Copa Del Rey and how the team is keen on securing a victory.

“It’s the Copa del Rey, a competition separate from La Liga, and everyone wants to win it because it’s one of the tournaments that allows you to lift a trophy the fastest,” he said.

“It would be positive to get a good result in Madrid. We have to go all out and achieve victory, without thinking about the second leg,” he added.

Cubarsi is ready for the Atleti challenge. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Cubarsi is a key piece in the Barcelona puzzle, having been an ever-present figure in Hansi Flick’s defensive scheme.

Although the lack of support from a veteran like Inigo Martinez has hampered his own performances this season, he remains a critical component in the team’s build-up play.

Talking about the Atletico Madrid game at hand, the defender pointed out that Barcelona’s recent triumph in the Spanish Super Cup has given them more optimism.

“We’ve already won the Super Cup, a title contested at the beginning of the year that allows you to face the season with more optimism. We’re playing at a very good level and we have to keep it up,” he concluded.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are slated to face each other on Thursday night, a game where the Catalans are hoping to have Frenkie de Jong available, although Raphinha might miss out.