Barcelona winger optimistic about season despite Copa del Rey exit – ‘If we keep playing like this…’

Story byBarcelona winger optimistic about season despite Copa del Rey exit – ‘If we keep playing like this…’Barca UniversalWed, March 4, 2026 at 8:30 AM UTC·2 min readLast night, Barcelona came within one goal of completing the comeback against Atletico Madrid, just a single strike away from levelling the Copa del Rey semifinal tie and forcing extra time. But it was not to be. Chasing a four-goal deficit from the first leg, the Blaugrana put on a brilliant display at the Spotify Camp Nou, winning 3-0, but ultimately getting eliminated from the cup competition on aggregate score. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRaphinha hopeful for the rest of the seasonDespite the exit from the Copa del Rey, Barcelona walked off the pitch at the Spotify Camp Nou with loud applause from the fans, who sang the club anthem at the top of their voice, showing their support for the players. And, speaking to the media after the game, Barça winger and captain Raphinha thanked the fans for their support and expressed optimism for what lies ahead for the team.“I’m very proud of this team,” said Raphinha, who scored the second goal on the night against Atletico Madrid.“If we keep playing like this, we’ll have a spectacular end to the season,” he promised. Barcelona tried hard and came close. (Photo by Alex Caparros/)AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRaphinha was especially grateful for the support of the fans in a game which marked the return of the Grada d’Animació in the renovated Camp Nou.“The truth is, I think it’s us who should be thanking the fans; they were spectacular.