The Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys is set to host a blockbuster Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on Tuesday evening, as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid renew their rivalry in a highly anticipated clash.
Barcelona Aiming to Reassert Dominance
Barcelona, the record 31-time winners of the Copa del Rey, are eager to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2020-21. While their primary focus remains on La Liga and the Champions League, Hansi Flick's side are determined to make a deep run in this competition.
Barcelona have cruised to the semi-finals with impressive victories over Barbastro, Real Betis, and Valencia, scoring 14 goals along the way. They are also riding a 13-game unbeaten streak in all competitions, including a recent 2-0 win over Las Palmas that propelled them to the top of La Liga.
Atletico Madrid Eyeing Glory
Atletico Madrid are enjoying a stellar season under Diego Simeone, currently sitting third in La Liga, just one point behind Barcelona. They are also through to the knockout stages of the Champions League, where they will face Real Madrid in a mouthwatering tie.
Los Rojiblancos are coming off a resounding 3-0 win against Valencia in La Liga and are unbeaten in their last eight matches in all competitions. While the Copa del Rey may not be their top priority, they see it as a realistic chance to win silverware this season.
Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid: Copa del Rey History
Barcelona holds the historical edge over Atletico Madrid in Copa del Rey encounters, having won their last semi-final meeting in 2016-17 with a 3-2 aggregate score. Meanwhile, Atletico have not defeated the Blaugrana in this competition since April 2000, though they did secure a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in La Liga earlier this season.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Barcelona Injury Updates:
- Lamine Yamal remains a fitness doubt after suffering a foot injury against Las Palmas, but is expected to be available
- Andreas Christensen could return to the squad after recovering from an injury
- Marc Bernal and Marc-André ter Stegen remain unavailable
Atletico Madrid Team News:
- Juan Musso is set to start in goal, continuing as the Copa del Rey goalkeeper
- Pablo Barrios returns from suspension and is expected to feature
- Koke remains a doubt due to injury
Predicted Starting XIs
Barcelona:
Szczesny – Koundé, Araújo, Martínez, Balde – De Jong, Pedri – Raphinha, Olmo, Yamal – Lewandowski
Atletico Madrid:
Musso – Molina, Giménez, Le Normand, Galán – Simeone, De Paul, Barrios, Lino – Griezmann, Álvarez
Match Details & Broadcast Information
- Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 23:30 KSA / 20:30 GMT
- Broadcast: SSC 1 HD
- Commentator: Fahd Al-Otaibi
