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• Barcelona’s Copa del Rey hopes dwindle as Camp Nou capacity falls short for Atletico return leg

  Barcelona’s efforts to increase Spotify Camp Nou’s capacity to 62,657 seats for their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid have been stalled by licensing delays. ​FC Barcelona faces a monumental task in the Copa del Rey after a devastating 4-0 first-leg defeat to Atlético Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. While Hansi Flick’s side hoped for a boosted home atmosphere to aid a potential comeback, reports indicate they will likely remain restricted to 45,401 spectators. The club has struggled with bureaucratic hurdles in securing the “1C licence” required to open the North Stand in time for the March 3rd fixture. ​The expansion would have added 17,000 supporters to the stands, but the City Council’s rigorous technical requirements mean a March opening for the Champions League knockouts is a more realistic target. Despite the setback, the club hopes the current capacity can still produce the “special” environment needed to overturn the four-goal deficit. Flick’s team must overcome both Diego Simeone’s clinical defense and the absence of Eric García, who was sent off in the first leg.

• Important Barcelona star a major doubt for Girona trip

  Barcelona forward Marcus Rashford faces a race against time to recover from a knee injury ahead of Monday’s derby against Girona after missing the club’s midweek cup exit.

  ​Barcelona may be without Marcus Rashford for Monday’s crucial derby against Girona as the forward continues to struggle with a knee injury.

  The Englishman sustained the issue during last weekend’s victory over Mallorca and was subsequently forced to sit out the club’s Copa del Rey defeat to Atlético Madrid on Thursday.

  Rashford is reportedly working hard on his recovery, but his availability remains a major concern.

  ​Medical reports suggest the injury is persistent enough to threaten his participation in the upcoming La Liga fixture.

  According to Diario AS, “His knee is slightly injured. Rashford is sidelined and his participation in the match against Girona is uncertain.”

  Head coach Hansi Flick now faces a selection headache as he looks to rebound from the midweek disappointment without one of his primary attacking threats.

• Referees Committee explain eight-minute VAR decision – Barcelona to file complaint

  The CTA attributed the controversial eight-minute VAR delay to a technical failure of the semi-automatic offside system, while Barcelona prepares a formal complaint regarding the lack of transparency and officiating standards.

  The Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) explained that an eight-minute VAR delay during Barcelona’s 4-0 loss to Atletico Madrid was caused by a technology malfunction.

  Officials noted the semi-automatic offside system failed due to a “high density of players,” forcing a manual review.

  Despite the delay, the CTA maintained the decision to disallow Pau Cubarsi’s goal was correct based on Robert Lewandowski’s position.

  Barcelona remains outraged and plans to file a formal complaint with the RFEF over the lack of communication and inconsistent officiating.

  Manager Hansi Flick criticized the handling of the match, describing the situation as “a mess.”

  He specifically questioned the refusal to review a potential red card for Giuliano Simeone, noting that after the lengthy wait, “there was no communication as to why.”

• Ademola Lookman speaks after masterclass helped Atleti thrash Barcelona

  Ademola Lookman hailed Atlético Madrid’s professional teamwork and historic 4-0 victory over Barcelona, while warning his teammates to remain focused for the return leg.

  Ademola Lookman celebrated a “special night” after inspiring Atlético Madrid to a 4-0 demolition of Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final.

  The Nigerian international, a winter signing from Atalanta, recorded a goal and an assist as Atlético equalled a 37-year record.

  Reflecting on the dominant team display, Lookman remarked, “In the box we were very professional, and today we showed a great level of teamwork.”

  ​The victory marks the first time since 1989 that Atlético has defeated Barcelona by a four-goal margin. Despite the massive first-leg advantage, Lookman remained cautious ahead of the return fixture at Camp Nou.

  He credited the home support for the result, stating, “We got that energy from our fans tonight, they were amazing, so we are glad.” The second leg is scheduled for March 3.

• Frenkie De Jong slams “scandalous” VAR decision in humiliating Barcelona loss

  Frenkie de Jong voiced his outrage over an eight-minute VAR delay that overturned a Barcelona goal, describing the officiating as a “scandal” following the 4-0 defeat.

  Barcelona captain Frenkie de Jong has labeled the decision to disallow Pau Cubarsi’s goal against Atletico Madrid “a scandal.”

  After an eight-minute VAR review, officials ruled the goal out for offside, a move that left the midfielder questioning the technology used.

  De Jong insisted, “I saw the image afterward and you can clearly see that there was no offside.”

  The controversy added to a night of frustration for the Blaugrana, who also felt Giuliano Simeone escaped a red card.

  De Jong expressed disbelief over the static images provided by the review booth, suggesting the evidence was misleading.

  He remarked, “If this is the photo, it’s a scandal because it’s very clear,” as Barcelona’s cup comeback hopes took a significant blow.