Atletico Madrid captain in awe of Barcelona superstar after 3-0 loss – ‘We’re lucky he’s Spanish’

FC Barcelona outplayed and outclassed Atletico Madrid last night at the Spotify Camp Nou on their way to a 3-0 victory.

However, it was not enough for them to advance to the finals of the Copa del Rey, as a four-goal defeat in the first leg of the semifinal meant that Barça lost the tie 4-3 on aggregate.

Despite the outcome of the tie, the performance was one of the most complete ones from the Blaugrana this season, with every player stepping up in a big way.

Marc Bernal scored twice, Lamine Yamal constantly caused problems going forward, Pau Cubarsi held down the fort in defence, and Pedri, like he always does, dictated play for the team from midfield.

Koke amazed by Pedri

So much so that Atletico Madrid captain Koke showered praise on this Barcelona team and Pedri, in particular, hailing the midfielder as ‘one of the best in the world’.

“Barça are a fantastic team. The young kids are flying. Pedri, if not the best in the world, is one of the best. It’s not easy to come and play at the Camp Nou,” said Koke.

“With the atmosphere that’s been created here, that has an influence. In the first half especially, we could have killed the game off. It’s the defeat that has given me the most joy,” he added.

Pedri was once again brilliant. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Further continuing his praise for Pedri, the veteran midfielder called the 23-year-old ace the ‘present and future of Spain’.

“Pedri is a machine. We’re lucky he’s Spanish… he’s the present and future of Spain. He’ll bring a lot of joy to Barça and the national team,” said Koke.

“Besides being a great footballer, he’s a spectacular guy,” he added.

Regarding the match itself, Koke admitted that Atletico knew they would be made to suffer by their hosts, saying:

“We knew we were going to suffer. We had chances in the first half to kill the game, but then they score the second and you have to suffer and resist. The team did what it had to do to get through the tie.”

Atletico will now face one of Real Sociedad or Athletic Club in the finals of the Copa del Rey. Meanwhile, Barcelona will turn their focus fully to La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

Source: Mundo Deportivo