Catalan press make feelings clear after Barcelona defeat in Madrid
Sevilla - Barcelona: Copa del Rey quarter-final
The front pages of sports papers in Catalonia rang the message clear following the defeat of Barcelona to bitter rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup.
No excuses from Barca press
It was a sad morning for the Barcelona press on Thursday as they, like Gerard Piqué after the game, admitted that Real Madrid are sitting superior to their side. "Without soul" screamed Sport while Mundo Deportivo went with "No arrancan" stating the team is yet to get going, with a photo of Mascherano and Piqué looking thoroughly dejected followed by the line, "Barça were unable to improve after a disastrous first half".
Mundo's cover did have some positivity for Barça followers, however, claiming that the signings of Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho and Dortmund's Ousmane Dembélé were "closer than ever".
Across at L'Esportiu they made their feelings known: "What a disaster!"
General media poor outlook
Away from the sports papers the pessimistic message continued. "The miracle never appeared" led the online version of El Periódico de Catalunya referring to the hope before the game that their side could turn the tie around in a similar fashion to the incredible night against PSG. La Vanguardia described the game as Barça being "devoured" while Ara went as far as saying they are "in a state of decay".
