Atletico Madrid will play host to Barcelona this Wednesday in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal. After an exciting 4-4 draw in the first leg in February, this match is expected to be a tense decider.
Both teams are desperate to reach the final and face Real Madrid for the title. For Atletico, winning the Copa del Rey might be their best chance to secure silverware this season, especially after being eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid and trailing Barcelona by nine points in La Liga.
For Barcelona, this game is part of a busy schedule of nine games in 29 days. So far, they`ve managed two wins in this period, though against weaker opponents. Atletico will pose a much sterner test. This match, along with the upcoming Champions League quarterfinal against Borussia Dortmund, will truly test Barcelona`s ambitions for trophies this season, particularly after periods where they seemed to be playing without full intensity.
Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, April 2
- Location: Metropolitano Stadium — Madrid, Spain
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Atletico Madrid +188; Draw +275; Barcelona +135
Previous Encounter
These two teams recently met in La Liga, where Barcelona overcame a 2-0 deficit to win 4-2 at Atletico Madrid. Atletico led 2-0 thanks to goals from Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth, but Barcelona fought back with goals from Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres (2), and Lamine Yamal to secure a vital league victory.
Atletico Madrid`s Perspective
Atletico feels the pressure to win, especially after their Champions League exit and struggles in La Liga. However, manager Diego Simeone insists that their season cannot be considered a failure regardless of Wednesday`s result.
“Failure is not trying. If you don`t try, you fail,” Simeone stated before the match. “For me, the season has been very good. We performed well in the Champions League, competed in the league, and reached the cup semifinals… The outcome of this match will determine if it`s a very good, extraordinary, or just average season.”
Winning the Copa del Rey would be a significant achievement for Atletico. Simeone hopes his team will maintain their tactical approach but also play with optimism to secure victory.
“Against Barcelona, we must play with joy and hope, just like in the first leg,” he said. “I will not change my approach.”
Barcelona`s Viewpoint
Barcelona, under their coach, face a major challenge against Atletico, especially with the chance to win a trophy in the Copa del Rey semifinals. The coach downplayed expectations and the idea of guaranteed titles for Barcelona.
“We know we haven`t achieved anything yet – except the Spanish Supercopa, which is in the past – and we want to reach the final, but it won`t be easy,” the coach said. “It might be the closest title available, but it`s the same for us. One win to the final. La Liga still has many games to play.”
The Barcelona coach also praised Atletico and Diego Simeone`s tactical approach, echoing Simeone`s mutual respect.
“Atletico has a great coach in Simeone, an experienced team, and they know how they want to play,” the coach added. “They fight until the last second. It will be a tough match… Atletico will play their usual game, nothing different. They have their style – high intensity and aggressive. I admire their style of football and their speed.”
Projected Starting Lineups
Atletico Madrid: Juan Musso, Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand, Clement Lenglet, Cesar Azpilicueta, Giuliano Simeone, Conor Gallagher, Pablo Barrios, Samuel Lino, Alexander Sorloth, Julian Alvarez
Barcelona: Wojciech Szczesny, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde, Eric García, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski
Key Player to Watch
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona: In a tight match like this, individual brilliance can be decisive. Lamine Yamal of Barcelona stands out as a potential game-changer.
The 17-year-old has quickly adapted to top-level football, scoring 13 goals and providing 16 assists this season across all competitions. He has a knack for performing in big games, with goals against Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid since the start of the year. Supported by players like Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, Yamal is becoming Barcelona`s key player, and this semifinal is a perfect stage to prove it.
Match Storyline
Barcelona`s Trophy Pursuit: After a turbulent period, Barcelona is surprisingly in contention for La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. This semifinal is a crucial test of their ability to turn potential into trophies.
While not a must-win game, as Barcelona are still favored in La Liga and their Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund, failing to win could raise doubts about their trophy-winning credentials at a critical point in the season. Winning would solidify their ambitions and momentum.
Match Prediction
Expect another close game, slightly favoring Barcelona. They have the edge to win against a strong Atletico side, boosted by returning players. Prediction: Atletico Madrid 2, Barcelona 3
