Copa del Rey semis set: Barça, Athletic, La Real and Atleti to battle in two-legged ties
The Copa del Rey semi-final lineup is complete with four La Liga heavyweights set to face off in February and March. Here's when the action kicks off.
The Copa del Rey has its final four as Atlético Madrid completed the semi-final lineup with a dominant display against Real Betis, joining Barcelona, Athletic Club and Real Sociedad in the battle for Spanish cup glory.
Atleti demolish Betis to seal final spot
Diego Simeone’s men were absolutely mustard in Seville, smashing five past a helpless Betis side without reply to become the last team to book their ticket to the semi-finals. The Rojiblancos put in the type of performance that’ll have the other semi-finalists looking over their shoulders.
The other quarter-final ties were proper nail-biters:
- Barcelona edged past giant-killers Albacete 2-1, who had previously knocked out Real Madrid
- Real Sociedad mounted a comeback to beat Alavés 3-2 in what the Spanish press called “un partido loco”
- Athletic Club left it late against Valencia, scoring in stoppage time to win 2-1
When will the semi-finals be played?
Unlike the previous knockout rounds, the semi-finals return to the traditional two-legged format. Here’s when the games will take place:
- First legs: February 10-11, 2026
- Second legs: March 4-5, 2026
That’s nearly a month between the first and second legs, giving managers plenty of time to stew over their tactics and for players to get their bread and honey for the decisive return fixtures.
What’s next?
The semi-final draw will take place this Friday, which will determine the matchups and exact dates for each tie. With four heavyweights of Spanish football still in the competition, we’re in for a proper treat no matter how the balls come out the hat.
With Barcelona as defending champions and the Basque clubs’ traditional cup pedigree, plus Atlético looking to add to Simeone’s trophy cabinet, these semis promise to be absolute barnstormers.