Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona: Copa del Rey Semi-Final Preview
Atlético Madrid faces Barcelona at the Metropolitano on Wednesday in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg with the tie all square after a 4-4 draw in the first leg. Both teams want to get to the final but Atlético have a tough task to overcome their recent woes against the Catalans.
Team News & Tactics
Atlético Madrid
Diego Simeone’s side will be without Angel Correa due to suspension, while Koke is racing against time to recover from a muscle injury. Atlético are expected to deploy a 4-4-2 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and quick transitions.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Musso; Llorente, Gimenez, Lenglet, Reinildo; Simeone, Barrios, De Paul, Lino; Alvarez, Griezmann.
Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez will lead the attack, supported by Rodrigo De Paul’s creativity in midfield.
Barcelona
Hansi Flick’s side will be without Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, Marc Casado, and Dani Olmo. Andreas Christensen faces a late fitness test, but Raphinha is set to return to the starting lineup. Barcelona will likely stick to a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing midfield control and attacking width.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will anchor the midfield, while Gavi operates in an advanced role. Robert Lewandowski leads the attack, supported by Raphinha and Lamine Yamal on the flanks.
Key Stats
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Atlético Madrid have not beaten Barcelona in the Copa del Rey since 2000.
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Barcelona have won the Copa del Rey a record 31 times.
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Atlético have lost both league games against Barcelona this season and drew the first leg 4-4.
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Antoine Griezmann has contributed to 23 goals this season, making him a crucial figure for Atlético.
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Barcelona are on a 20-game unbeaten run across all competitions.
Player to Watch
Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid)
Griezmann is in top form with 23 contributions this season. He’s the key to Atlético’s chances of beating Barcelona. If Atlético are to win, Griezmann has to be at his best.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Prediction
Atlético have the home advantage and the squad but Barcelona’s form and depth make them favourites. But Atlético’s desire to win a title this season might make for a tight game. Both teams will create chances but Barcelona’s quality will probably win out.
Atlético Madrid 1-2 Barcelona
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Live Stream
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