On April 2, 2025, the highly anticipated semi-final match of the Copa del Rey will take place at the Metropolitano Stadium, where Atletico Madrid will face off against Barcelona. The kick-off is scheduled for 22:30 Kyiv time, and both teams are looking to secure a place in the final.
Atletico Madrid enters this match with a mixed bag of recent performances. Last season, they finished below Girona in La Liga, which prompted a significant overhaul of their squad during the summer transfer window. However, not all desired signings came to fruition, as evidenced by the loss of target Dovbik to Roma. Despite these setbacks, Atletico is determined to turn their fortunes around this season. They have faced challenges, including a heartbreaking exit from the Champions League, where they lost to Real Madrid in a penalty shootout after a valiant comeback from a first-leg defeat. As they compete against both Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga, their recent form has been shaky, highlighted by a frustrating 1-1 draw against Espanyol in their last outing.
On the other hand, Barcelona has had a more successful season under new coach Hansi Flick, who has already secured the Supercopa de España. The Catalan giants are eyeing a potential treble, as they continue to advance in the Champions League, reaching the quarter-finals. In La Liga, they are neck-and-neck with Real Madrid, recently dominating Girona with a 4-1 victory. With a solid record of six consecutive wins, Barcelona is keen to maintain their momentum and secure a place in the Copa del Rey final.
This match is particularly intriguing given the history between the two teams. The first leg of this semi-final ended in a thrilling 4-4 draw, showcasing the attacking prowess of both sides. Historically, Barcelona has the upper hand in their encounters, with 112 wins out of 247 matches, while Atletico has claimed victory 78 times. In their last four meetings, the total goals have exceeded 2.5, indicating the potential for another high-scoring affair.
Atletico's recent form has raised concerns, as they have not won in their last five matches. However, they have managed to find the back of the net in each of their previous 15 games, which bodes well for their attacking capabilities. Coach Diego Simeone will need to rally his players to overcome the pressure and deliver a strong performance against a formidable opponent.
In terms of team news, Atletico will be without Ángel Correa due to a suspension and may also miss the services of injured players like Koke and Roben Le Norman. Meanwhile, Barcelona faces its own injury challenges, with key players Marc-André ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, and Marc Casado sidelined, alongside the recent losses of Dani Olmo.
As the countdown to kick-off continues, fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an electrifying match. The stakes are high, with both teams vying not only for a spot in the final but also for bragging rights in this intense rivalry. Will Barcelona continue their unbeaten run against Atletico, or can the home side pull off an upset? The tension is palpable as the two teams prepare to clash in this crucial encounter.
In summary, the upcoming match between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona is set to be a thrilling spectacle, packed with drama and high stakes. With both teams in contrasting forms, the outcome remains uncertain. As the players take to the field, all eyes will be on the Metropolitano Stadium to see who will emerge victorious in this Copa del Rey semi-final.
