Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona will face off on Thursday in the second semifinal of the Copa del Rey, setting the stage for a high-intensity encounter at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.
The match is a repeat of last season’s semifinal, though with the order of the legs reversed. A year ago, Barcelona hosted the first leg before securing qualification with a dramatic 1-0 win in Madrid, following a thrilling 4-4 draw in the Catalan capital.
Diego Simeone’s Atletico enters the contest after a turbulent week. The side thrashed Real Betis 5-0 away in cup action to book their place in the semifinals but then suffered a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to the same opponents in La Liga on Sunday. That loss sparked criticism of the Metropolitano pitch, a factor that could influence the tempo of Thursday’s match, especially against Barcelona’s possession-based playing style. Atletico is expected to rely on quick counterattacks against the league leaders.
Atletico will be without midfielder Pablo Barrios due to a muscle injury, while forward Julian Alvarez continues to struggle for form, having gone more than three months without a league goal. Simeone is likely to turn to new signing Ademola Lookman to inject pace, while Alexander Sorloth, who has scored six goals in 10 career appearances against Barcelona, could play a key role.
Barcelona also faces selection concerns. Raphinha is expected to miss out again with a groin strain, potentially opening the door for Marcus Rashford to start alongside Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres in attack. Midfielder Pedri remains sidelined, with Fermin Lopez likely to partner Frenkie de Jong, while defender Ronald Araujo could return after recently addressing his struggles with anxiety and depression.
The return leg will be played on March 3 at Camp Nou in Barcelona, where the tie is expected to be decided.