Hansi Flick has urged FC Barcelona to show a strong reaction against Girona FC in LaLiga on Monday after their heavy 4-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey.

Barcelona were outplayed by Diego Simeone’s side in the semi-final first leg on Thursday, a result that left Flick frustrated with his team’s intensity and competitiveness.

“Atletico were ready for this fight, it was a Champions League-level game and the first 45 minutes were not right,” Flick told reporters on Sunday. “We did not have the attitude to be competitive in this situation. In every duel, one against one, they were much better, more dynamic — this is what I want from the team.

“Today in training I appreciated what I saw and we have to bring it tomorrow on the pitch.”

Barcelona’s setback allowed Real Madrid to move two points clear at the top of LaLiga after their win over Real Sociedad on Saturday.

Despite the damaging defeat at the Metropolitano, Flick insisted his side must quickly refocus on the league campaign. “It could happen that you lose against Atletico, a top team. Now we go on. We have to focus on the season to the end — it’s a long way, but everything is possible,” he said.

“When we play as a team, everyone 100 per cent, we have huge quality. Defeats happen, but it’s important how you react. This reaction I want to see tomorrow.”

Flick confirmed that Brazilian winger Raphinha is fit to return against Girona, while Marcus Rashford remains sidelined with a knee issue, though his condition is improving.

“He’s important. I always said this. We miss him,” Flick said of Raphinha. “You can see it in training — he increases the dynamic, the intensity. Last season, for me he was the best player in the world.”

Although Barcelona filed a complaint with the Spanish football federation regarding refereeing inconsistencies following the Atletico defeat, Flick acknowledged that the loss ultimately rested on his team’s performance.

“It was not the referee’s fault we lost the game,” he added. “What we can change, we have to change — and we will do.”