Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan believes his team did not play to their true potential in the Copa del Ray defeat to Barca.

Lionel Messi scored an impressive hat-trick for Barcelona as the Catalan giants ran out 3-1 winners in the first leg at .

Forlan thought his team gave a good account of themselves - but only in the first half.

“We didn’t play at our usual level, although I don’t think that we gave away the first half. We were up against Barcelona and we all know about their potential. They don’t tend to miss and they played at a high level.”

The Uruguayan striker played down the importance of the absence of Sergio Agüero and gave his opinion that “one player doesn’t make a team. Matches are won by 11 players. We didn’t miss the absent player. Sinama took his place and we played at a good level. Regarding Messi, we all know about his qualities and his potential; he didn’t surprise anybody with his game.”

To finish, he spoke about the return leg against Barcelona and explained that “there are 90 minutes left and we’re professionals. It’s tough to come back from a 1-3 deficit, but while there’s life there’s hope.”