Barcelona fans slammed Alejandro Balde’s performance online after the team lost 4-0 to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals on February 12, 2026.

This game marked a major defeat for the team barcelona This season, they have conceded four goals to Atletico Madrid in the first half. A big error from goalkeeper Joan Garcia led to Eric Garcia’s own goal inside 10 minutes (6′) before Antoine Griezmann extended the lead (14′). Ademola Lookman, who performed well, scored the third goal (33′) and Julian Alvarez made it 4-0 in half-time stoppage time (45’+2).

In the second half, Pau Cubarsi seemed to deny atletico madrid Clean sheets. However, after a lengthy VAR check, the goal was ruled out for offside. In addition, Eric Garcia was shown a red card (85th minute), which was another blow to Barcelona.

Fans reacted specifically to Alejandro Balde’s performance on X, with many slamming the 22-year-old’s average performance. One X user wrote:

“When Balde was a double agent and scored goals for Alcetico and Madrid, it didn’t have to be that way, don’t forget that he was the reason we scored in the first game of the season.”

Here are some other reactions:

Cullors went on to criticize Balde’s performance against Atletico Madrid:

Alejandro Balde made no defensive contribution in 77 minutes of play. He didn’t win a tackle, make no clearances, tackles, interceptions or blocks. It was the 22-year-old’s worst performance of the season.

‘We can score more goals’ – Barcelona star Eric Garcia makes big statement after losing 4-0 to Atletico Madrid

At the post-match press conference, Barcelona defender Eric Garcia The big win came despite them losing 4-0 to Atletico Madrid. Espanyol claim they can come back by scoring more goals in the second leg at Camp Nou.

“If they score four goals today…in our stadium, with our people, we can score more. We are a very young team. This is a wake-up call. We need this experience to improve,” Garcia said (via Barcelona Universal).

Additionally, Eric Garcia spoke about Barcelona’s goal, which was ruled out in the second half after a VAR check eight minutes in and his own red card.

“I don’t know if it was offside but it’s strange it took them so long. I can say the same about my red card,” he said.

this Copa del Rey The second leg of the semi-finals is scheduled for March 3, 2026. Barca must score five goals or more to advance to the final, while also preventing Atletico’s lethal attack from scoring more goals.