Atlético vs Barça: A Cup semi-final with all the trimmings of a final
The Metropolitano hosts a mouthwatering Copa del Rey clash between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona, with both sides eyeing silverware in a match that feels like a final.
A proper tasty fixture awaits at the Metropolitano tonight as Atlético Madrid and Barcelona lock horns in the second Copa del Rey semi-final – a match many consider the tournament’s ‘real final’ given the stature of both clubs.
Cup final vibes in February
This evening’s encounter has all the makings of a final before the final. Not just because the winner takes a massive step toward April’s showpiece in Seville, but because both squads are absolutely stacked with international talent who’ll feature when Spain face Argentina later this year.
Even without the injured Barrios and Pedri, we’ll be treated to a proper feast of talent with the likes of Lamine Yamal, Julián Álvarez, Dani Olmo, and Alejandro Baena all taking centre stage in what promises to be a belter.
Atleti’s rollercoaster form
The Rojiblancos arrive in the midst of a proper Jekyll and Hyde situation:
- Brilliant one day – hammering Betis at La Cartuja
- Rubbish the next – losing to the same opponent at home just 70 hours later
The Metropolitano has gone from fortress to flimsy, with consecutive defeats to Bodø/Glimt and Betis. A third straight loss would leave their season hanging by a thread, with their trophy hopes reduced to either a miraculous comeback at Camp Nou or going all the way in the Champions League. Bit of a tall order, that.
Julián’s moment
Simeone needs his lads to rediscover their La Cartuja form. Tonight, he’ll likely deploy Julián Álvarez as the spearhead with Giuliano and Lookman providing width. For the Nigerian, this represents his first big test just a week after his thunderous debut. His directness could prove crucial, as could the return of Álvarez’s predatory instincts. Two months without the Argentine explains why Atlético are putting all their eggs in the Copa del Rey basket.
Beyond the attacking trident, Cholo’s men must shore up defensively. Even without Raphinha and Rashford, Barcelona’s attack remains dynamite. Containing Lamine Yamal, back to his best, can’t just be the left-back’s responsibility – whether that’s Ruggeri or the more reliable Hancko.
Barça flying high
Barcelona arrive in the Spanish capital in tremendous nick, eyeing a successful defence of their Copa crown. Victory would bring their 33rd Copa title – more than any other club in Spain.
The Catalans’ recent form is nothing short of phenomenal – 16 wins from their last 17 matches across all competitions, with their only defeat coming against Real Sociedad in La Liga.
What’s more, they’ve had Atlético’s number recently, winning eight of their last ten meetings. The Blaugrana haven’t lost at the Metropolitano since the 2021-22 season, winning their last four visits including last season’s Copa semi-final second leg.
Hansi Flick, despite missing key players through injury, is expected to make changes from the side that faced Mallorca, with Ferran Torres, Gerard Martín and De Jong likely to start. One player certain to feature is Lamine Yamal, who’s scored in five consecutive matches and shows no signs of slowing down.