Arbeloa fires back after Hansi Flick's 'Ask Real Madrid' comment

Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has returned the shot to Hansi Flick following Barcelona’s defeat in the Copa del Rey to Atletico Madrid after the Blaugrana head coach fired first.

Ahead of the Copa del Rey clash against Atletico Madrid, Hansi Flick name-dropped Real Madrid when asked about detractors devaluing Barcelona’s Copa del Rey campaign because they have yet to face a first division side up until the semi-final.

Barcelona entered the competition in the Round of 32 and have since played lower division teams, advancing past Guadalajara, Racing Club and Albacete.

Ahead of the game against Rojiblancos on Thursday, a reporter asked Flick what he thought about people who disregard Barcelona’s cup campaign, citing the level of competition they have faced so far, and he responded coldly, “Ask Real Madrid.”

Los Blancos were knocked out of the competition by second-division side Albacete, which Barcelona dispatched in the quarter-final. Hence, Flick’s comments convey the message that there are no easy teams.

Speaking ahead of their LALIGA clash against Real Sociedad on Saturday, Arbeloa was asked about the clash between two of their rivals, specifically the hiding Barcelona were handed.

Arbeloa responded, saying, “I have nothing to comment. Ask Flick’s Barca,” returning the favour after the German’s comments, which referenced Real Madrid’s defeat to Albacete.

Arbeloa will hope to secure victory against the in-form Real Sociedad to keep pace in the LALIGA title race. Victory against La Reale will send them to the summit before Barcelona face Girona on Monday.