FC Barcelona experienced a true nightmare on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Swept aside by a ruthless Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final, the Blaugrana didn't just lose a match; they may have lost their unity. Between tactical collapse and verbal altercations, here's the story of an electrifying evening.

An initial apocalyptic period

The suspense lasted only 45 minutes. Completely overwhelmed by the aggression of the Colchoneros , Hansi Flick's men collapsed before the break, heading into the dressing room with a resounding 4-0 defeat.

Despite a more stable second half, the damage was done. To have any hope of reaching the final, Barça will now have to stage a historic comeback in the return leg. But beyond the scoreline, it's the toxic atmosphere within the squad that worries Catalonia.

Cubarsí vs Koundé: The Breaking Point

The tension, already palpable on the pitch, finally boiled over. According to SPORT , young Pau Cubarsí openly criticized Jules Koundé during the match. The Spanish defender reportedly reproached the French international for his lack of concentration and technical errors.

Far from stopping there, Cubarsí also targeted his midfielders, demanding an intensity that was sorely lacking.

What happened in the shadows of the tunnel

While the cameras only captured exchanges of glances and gestures of annoyance, El Nacional goes further. The altercation between Cubarsí and Koundé reportedly continued, in a much more heated manner, in the privacy of the locker room.

1. The criticisms: Lack of involvement versus excessive nervousness.
2. The climate: A clear break between some managers and the younger generation.

The turning point of the Flick era?

This monumental defeat marks a brutal halt to Hansi Flick's project. It now remains to be seen whether this seismic event will trigger a collective awakening or whether it represents the beginning of an irreparable rift within the group.

The return match at Montjuïc is already shaping up to be one of the most tense encounters of the season.