'Ask Real Madrid' – Flick dismisses claims Barcelona have had kind Copa del Rey run

Hansi Flick has hit back at claims Barcelona have enjoyed a kind run to the Copa del Rey semi-finals, telling his team's critics to speak to Real Madrid. 

While Madrid were dumped out of Spain's domestic run in the round of 16, suffering a dramatic 3-2 defeat to second-tier Albacete last month, Barca are preparing for a two-legged tie against Atletico Madrid.

Ahead of Thursday's first leg at the Estadio Metropolitano, Barca have faced third-tier Guadalajara, second-tier leaders Racing Santander and Madrid's conquerors Albacete in this season's Copa del Rey.

But when asked if Barca had been fortunate to avoid their fellow LaLiga sides, Flick said with a smile: "Ask Real Madrid."

The former Bayern Munich boss then quickly clarified that his comment was not meant as a shot at Barca's Clasico rivals, but at those who underestimate smaller clubs.

He added: "It was the right response. We have to respect the Segunda teams.

"Last year we played in Barbastro, then Betis and Valencia, and the results were better than this year. 

"It was the same at Albacete and Santander. We have to respect those teams. It's the Copa, and they showed quality. They were able to beat Primera teams. 

"For me, it doesn't make sense to fight Madrid. It suits you, but it doesn't suit me. It only serves to waste energy, and I don't like it."

Barca won the Copa del Rey for a record-extending 32nd time last season, as part of a domestic treble, though they have not won back-to-back editions of the tournament since a run of four straight titles that ended following victory over Sevilla in the 2017-18 final.

The Blaugrana will be without Marcus Rashford for their trip to the capital, after he suffered a left knee injury during Saturday's 3-0 victory over Mallorca.

And having watched Atleti dismantle Real Betis 5-0 in the Copa quarter-finals less than a week ago, Flick expects a difficult challenge.

"We've had some problems. Rashford is not ready; he had a knock. It's not good news, but I believe in my team," Flick said.

"The situation is not easy. We will play against a fantastic team. I watched their match against Betis, and it was impressive. 

"Cholo [Diego Simeone] is doing a great job at Atletico. I appreciate what I saw of them very much. It will be a tough match."