The last time Atletico Madrid welcomed Barcelona to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in the Copa del Rey semi-finals in 2025, they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat after a 4-4 thriller in the 1st leg. This time, a red-hot Barcelona side travels there again, only this time, to face an Atletico side seeking redemption.
It's Copa del Rey action on Thursday, February 12, as Atletico Madrid host Barcelona in the first leg of their semi-final clash. Blaugrana boss Hansi Flick will be aiming to continue his side’s imperious form, while Diego Simeone’s men desperately want to avoid a repeat of last season’s heartbreak.
📈Team Form📉
🔴 Atletico Madrid: Third in La Liga with 45 points from 23 matches.
🔵 Barcelona: Top of the La Liga table with 58 points from 23 matches.
📊Key Stats & Head-to-Head 📊
🔥 Barcelona are on a six-match winning run in all competitions.
🔥 Barcelona have scored at least twice in each of their last six victories.
🔥 Atletico have won just two of their last five matches across all competitions.
🔥 Barcelona have won the last three meetings between these two sides, including last season’s Copa del Rey semi-final triumph.
🔬 What to Expect From Both Teams 🔥
🔴Atletico Madrid | All Competitions Form: D🟡W🟢L🔴D🟡W🟢L🔴:
Despite securing their semi-final spot with a stunning 5-0 demolition of Real Betis in the quarter-finals, Diego Simeone's side saw their momentum halted by a 1-0 league defeat to the same opponents at the weekend.
With their La Liga title hopes hanging by a thread and sitting 13 points behind Barcelona, the Copa del Rey represents a significant opportunity for silverware. They will be desperate to avoid a repeat of last season's elimination at the hands of the Catalan giants.
🔵Barcelona | All Competitions Form: W🟢W🟢W🟢W🟢W🟢W🟢:
Hansi Flick's side arrived at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in formidable form, having won their last six matches in all competitions while scoring at least twice in each victory.
They boast the best attacking record in La Liga with 63 goals scored and just 23 conceded. Having already lifted the Spanish Super Cup this season and sitting top of the league table, Barcelona are eyeing another Copa del Rey final appearance as part of a potential treble charge.
👥 Predicted Lineups 👥
🔴Atletico Madrid (possible):
Oblak, Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri, Simeone, Mendoza, Koke, Baena, Griezmann, Lookman.
🔵Barcelona (possible):
Garcia, Martin, Garcia, Araujo, Cancelo, Bernal, Olmo, Lopez, Rashford, Torres, Yamal.
🔥 Matchups & Players to Watch 👀
✨ Antoine Griezmann — The French forward will be key to unlocking a Barcelona defence that has conceded just 23 league goals this season.
✨ Lamine Yamal — Expected to feature in Barcelona's attack after finding the net in their commanding 3-0 win over Mallorca.
✨ Marc Bernal — Scored in that same victory and will be crucial in Barcelona's midfield engine room with Pedri and Frenkie de Jong sidelined.
✨ Ademola Lookman — A likely starter for Atletico, expected to provide width and energy from the left flank.
💵 Odds Market on MSport 💵
💵 Atletico/Home to win = 3.09
💵 Barcelona/Away to win = 2.19
💵 Both teams to score (GG/NG Yes) = 1.41
💵 Over 2.5 total goals = 1.45
This clash presents a classic cup tie narrative: a Barcelona side riding a six-match winning wave faces an Atletico team wounded by last season's semi-final exit and desperate for revenge on home soil.
With history offering the visitors a psychological edge and silverware on the line, the Riyadh Air Metropolitano is set for a compelling Copa del Rey night under the lights.
Who do you think will take the first-leg advantage? Tell us your prediction in the comments.
🔗 You can follow the Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona game here on MSport.
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