Ronald Koeman was left frustrated as arguably Barcelona's best remaining chance of silverware this season became a lot more complicated with a 2-0 first-leg defeat to Sevilla in the Copa del Rey semi-final.
Jules Kounde's first-half wonder goal put Sevilla in front and as Barca poured forward in search of a late equaliser, their former player Ivan Rakitic added a potentially vital second five minutes from time.
With Barca eight points behind Atletico Madrid in the league having played a game more and facing a tough draw against Paris St Germain in the Champions League, defeat here could prove a major blow in Koeman's hopes of silverware this season.
❝We dominated the game ... we had the best opportunities.❞ — @RonaldKoeman on #SevillaBarça pic.twitter.com/catykZoU5r — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 10, 2021
"It's too hard a result," said the Dutchman, who claimed his side should have had a penalty for a challenge on Jordi Alba.
"Too high of a reward for (Sevilla). I have seen Barcelona playing well, creating a very clear opportunity to go 1-0 up. We put on a lot of pressure in the second half.
"But we have another game left and we will try to reach the final."
Kounde ran from his own half to put Sevilla ahead midway through the first half, with Barca old-boy Rakitic picking them off on the break for the second five minutes from time.
"For the two goals we have left too much space," Koeman added. "For the first goal it was in midfield, not just defence. For the second goal I tell the defenders they have to keep running and not rely on offside.
💪🟦🟥 We've come back before, we can do it again. ⚽️#BarçaSevilla, 2nd leg📆 March 3 at 9pm CET pic.twitter.com/sWvKAJ2ySP — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 10, 2021
"It was a bad decision from (Samuel) Umtiti. He was good in other games but makes mistakes like everyone else so it's not fair to criticise him.
"We were better in the second half, so there is hope for the second leg."
Rakitic said he hoped his late goal would prove decisive in the tie, with the second leg to be played at the Nou Camp on March 3.
"It is different to go from 1-0 to 2-0," the Croatian said in comments reported by Marca.
"We are very happy with the victory and the way we have achieved it. We will try to improve things to confirm our presence in the final on the return leg. Our job is to work, improve and fight.
"The result has been very positive, but we know that we have not finished anything. I have not celebrated the goal because I have a lot of love and respect for Barcelona. You have to work with humility to try to be in the final."
