Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola congratulated second-tier side Real Betis after they ended Barca’s winning streak.
Real upset Guardiola’s side 3-1 in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey fixture, halting Barcelona’s run of 28 games in all competitions without loss.
Barca still advanced to the semi-finals by virtue of their 5-0 win at the Camp Nou in the first leg of their quarter-final tie, but Guardiola was impressed with the minnow club after their became the first Spanish second-tier side to defeat the Catalan giants since 2004.
“I am pleased that we reached the next stage of the Copa del Rey, as victory was achieved against a very strong contender,” Guardiola told Marca.
“When we analyse the game against Betis, we will understand that we had a really hard time. It’s true we achieved a major victory in the first match, but we were clearly aware that the return game would be hard to overcome.”
“I would like to congratulate Real Betis, because they are a very good team. I don’t know whether this team is the best we have met in the cup, but certainly one of them.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Barcelona face La Liga strugglers Almeria in the semi-finals of the King’s Cup, with the first leg taking place at the Camp Nou next Wednesday.