Diego Simeone Hails Lookman, Three Others After Atlético’s Win, Flick Admits Barcelona Fell Short

Diego Simeone and Hansi Flick struck contrasting tones on Thursday night, February 12, after Atlético Madrid swept aside FC Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final.

Speaking after the emphatic win at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Simeone focused on the intelligence and movement of his front line, singling out Giuliano Simeone, Julian Alvarez, Antoine Griezmann and Ademola Lookman for special praise.

“I was impressed by how the four forwards: Giuliano, Julian, Griezmann and Lookman, interpreted the spaces that the opponent leaves so well,” Simeone said.

The Atlético boss described the result as one that would linger in the memory, regardless of what unfolds in the return leg.

“This game will stay in our memories, whatever happens in the tie. We will remember a performance like this. Our fans need games like this, big games, semifinals,” he said.

While Simeone reflected on a night of precision and purpose, Flick cut a more frustrated figure. The Barcelona manager admitted his side struggled to impose themselves, particularly before the break.

“We didn’t play well as a team in the first half. We didn’t press as we wanted, and I would have liked to have seen the hunger that Atlético showed. In the second half, we were better,” the German said.

Despite the heavy setback, Flick insisted he remains proud of his players and confident they can respond.

He said, “I am proud of my team. It is clear I am not happy with the first 45 minutes, but I am proud of the season we are putting in. We will pick ourselves up and come back.”

The two managers will meet again on 3 March for the decisive second leg.