Atletico Madrid will play Barcelona at home this Wednesday in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals. The first leg was an exciting 4-4 draw, so this match is set to be a thrilling decider.
Both teams are desperate to reach the final and face Real Madrid. This competition might be Atletico`s best chance to win a trophy this season, especially after being knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid and trailing Barcelona by nine points in La Liga.
Barcelona has a busy schedule with nine games in 29 days. They`ve won their last two matches but against weaker opponents. This game against Atletico, and their upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund, will truly test Barcelona`s ambitions for silverware this season. They have been performing well, but this is a step up in competition.
Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, April 2
- Location: Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid, Spain
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Atletico Madrid +188; Draw +275; Barcelona +135
Previous Meeting
These teams recently played in La Liga where Barcelona won 4-2 in Madrid. Atletico led 2-0 with goals from Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth, but Barcelona came back with goals from Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres (twice), and Lamine Yamal.
Atletico Madrid`s Perspective
Atletico Madrid feels this is a crucial game, especially after their Champions League exit and difficult La Liga campaign. However, coach Diego Simeone believes the season is already successful regardless of Wednesday`s result.
“Failure is not trying. If you don`t try, you fail,” Simeone stated. He considers their season “very good” so far, highlighting their Champions League run, La Liga competitiveness, and Copa del Rey semi-final appearance. He believes winning a trophy would make it even better.
Simeone wants his team to play with “joy” and “hope,” maintaining their tactical approach from the first leg. He emphasizes optimism as key to victory.
Barcelona`s Perspective
Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, faces a significant challenge against Atletico. Reaching the Copa del Rey final is a major goal. Flick downplayed expectations in his pre-match press conference, acknowledging they haven`t won anything major yet, except the Spanish Supercopa which is “in the past.”
Flick recognizes the Copa del Rey as a potentially closer title compared to La Liga, where they have many more games to play.
He praised Atletico and Simeone, noting their experienced team, defined style, high intensity, and aggressive play. Flick admires their fast-paced football.
Predicted 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
Player to Watch
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona: In a tight match, individual brilliance can be decisive. Lamine Yamal, Barcelona`s 17-year-old talent, is a player to watch. With 13 goals and 16 assists this season, he has performed well in big games, scoring against Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid already. Alongside Lewandowski and Raphinha, Yamal could be the key player for Barcelona in this semi-final.
Key Storyline
Barcelona`s Trophy Hunt: Despite a chaotic off-season, Barcelona is now competing for La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Champions League titles. This semi-final is a crucial test of their ability to win silverware. While they are La Liga favorites and have a good chance in the Champions League, failing to win this Copa del Rey match could raise doubts about their trophy-winning potential this season.
Match Prediction
Expect another close game, slightly favoring Barcelona. They have the quality to overcome Atletico, especially with returning players. Prediction: Atletico Madrid 2, Barcelona 3
