Barcelona’s 0-4 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final left the dressing room stunned.
The team had travelled to the Metropolitano hoping for a competitive result, but the final scoreline turned the mood from confidence to frustration.
One of the players who felt the result most deeply was Eric Garcia, who was sent off late in the match and spoke openly after the final whistle, admitting how difficult the night had been for the squad.
“They hurt us a lot on the counterattack. We had Fermin’s chance and then they scored their fourth.
“At half-time, we tried to change something, to score a goal that would get us back into the tie.
“We have 90 minutes left at home, with our fans, and I think we have enough players and a good enough team to come back from this.
“With the help of the fans, we will be able to do it,” said the defender as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
On the controversies
The centre-back also spoke about the controversial moment involving Pau Cubarsi’s disallowed goal, which took several minutes to review.
He did not hide his frustration with the delay and the decision, stating,
Eric Garcia was sent off against Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“I think it’s a shame that the game was stopped for six minutes to decide whether or not it was offside when we have the semi-automatic system.
“The offside call, even after watching it for six minutes, is questionabl From what I’ve heard, he first said that VAR wasn’t working. And then, to me, the frame isn’t clear.
“It should be so easy with the semi-automatic system. The truth is that none of the referees’ decisions have been going our way lately.
“Giuliano’s tackle on Balde is a clear red card. It’s these decisions where it seems easy to make decisions against us.
“We know who we’re playing against and we have to keep going,“ said the defender, who also commented on his sending off, saying, ”I slipped, and he also hit me.”
Looking beyond the defeat, Eric tried to focus on the lessons the team must take from such a painful night.
He stressed that the squad is still young and growing, and that matches like this can help shape their development.
“I think it’s something we have to learn from. We’re a young squad. We have experience, but we still have a long way to go.
“A game like today’s is a good wake-up call to keep improving,” concluded the Barcelona defender.