Raphinha refuses to rule out Barcelona comeback ahead of Copa del Rey second leg against Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Barcelona forward Raphinha has refused to rule out the possibility of a comeback ahead of his side’s second leg Copa del Rey clash against Atletico Madrid.

The Catalan powerhouse were thrashed 4-0 in the first leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano as Diego Simeone’s rampant Colchoneros ran riot.

An own goal from Eric Garcia inside seven minutes set the tone for the rest of the game. 

Goals from Antoine Griezmann, Ademola Lookman and Julian Alvarez soon followed as Atletico completely ripped apart the La Liga leaders in the Spanish capital.

Only Bayern Munich in 2020 had previously managed to put four goals past Barcelona in the first half of a competitive fixture.

Things went from bad to worse for Garcia and Barcelona as he was sent off for a reckless professional last-man challenge.

This result has helped Atletico firmly plant one foot in the Copa del Rey final, but Barcelona forward Raphinha has refused to throw in the towel.

The Brazilian attacker believes that Barcelona have what it takes to turn things around when both sides reconvene for the second leg at the Spotify Camp Nou.

“We’re confident we’ll play a good game,” he said (via SPORT). “We believe we’re capable of it. 

“If there’s a team that can come back, it’ll be us. We know the game will be difficult, a very complicated comeback, but I think we’re prepared for what awaits us.”

This wouldn’t be the first time the odds are firmly stacked against Barcelona heading into the second leg of a major contest.

Their 2016/17 Champions League round of 16 second-leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain immediately comes to mind.

Barcelona are currently focused on their La Liga clash against third-placed Villarreal as they look to consolidate their place at the top of the table.