In a thrilling semifinal showdown of the Copa del Rey, Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona are set to clash this Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Estádio Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid. With the first leg ending in a stunning 4-4 draw at Montjuïc, this match promises to be a spectacle as both teams vie for a spot in the final against Real Madrid.
The anticipation is palpable as fans gear up for this crucial encounter. The stakes are high, especially for Atlético de Madrid, who are seeking redemption after a disappointing exit from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of their arch-rivals, Real Madrid. The Copa del Rey now represents their best chance to secure silverware this season, especially with a nine-point gap separating them from Barcelona in La Liga.
Barcelona, on the other hand, enters the match riding a wave of confidence. Under the guidance of coach Hansi Flick, the Catalan giants have not tasted defeat in their last 20 matches, with their last loss coming against Atlético in December during a La Liga clash. Their recent form has not only solidified their position at the top of the league but also seen them through to the quarterfinals of the Champions League, where they are set to face Borussia Dortmund.
In the first leg, Atlético de Madrid showcased their resilience, coming back from a 4-2 deficit to secure a draw. Marcos Llorente and Alexander Sorloth were the heroes for the Colchoneros, scoring late to equalize and keep their hopes alive. "It was a rollercoaster of emotions, but we showed great character to come back," said Llorente after the match.
As both teams prepare for the decisive second leg, the players' form will be crucial. Raphinha, Barcelona's star forward, is expected to play a pivotal role. He will face off against four of his Argentina national teammates: Molina, De Paul, Giuliano Simeone, and Julián Álvarez. Raphinha's recent comments before a match against Brazil, where he stated, "porrada neles," drew attention and sparked discussions among fans, especially after Brazil's 4-1 defeat to Argentina.
Coach Hansi Flick has expressed confidence in Raphinha's readiness for the match, stating, "He is absolutely prepared for the game this Wednesday." This confidence could prove vital as Barcelona aims to maintain their momentum and secure a place in the Copa del Rey final.
For Atlético, the pressure is mounting. The team has faced ups and downs throughout the season, and a loss in this match could mean exiting the season without any trophies. Coach Diego Simeone has emphasized the importance of this match, stating, "We have to treat this as a final. Winning is the only option for us. We owe it to our fans and ourselves to fight for every ball and every moment."
The probable lineups for the match have also been revealed. Atlético de Madrid is expected to field a strong side with Musso in goal, supported by Llorente, Giménez, Lenglet, and Reinildo in defense. The midfield will likely feature Simeone, Barrios, De Paul, and Samuel Lino, while Álvarez and Griezmann lead the attack.
Barcelona's lineup includes Szczesny as the goalkeeper, backed by Koundé, Cubarsí, Martínez, and Balde in defense. The midfield will see De Jong and Pedri orchestrating play, with Yamal, Gavi, and Raphinha providing width and creativity. Lewandowski is expected to spearhead the attack.
In addition to the excitement surrounding the match, both teams are dealing with injury concerns. Atlético will be without Ángel Correa due to suspension, while Barcelona faces doubts over Andreas Christensen and Pau Cubarsí, alongside injuries to Dani Olmo, Marc-André ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, and Marc Casadó.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, both sets of fans are hopeful for a thrilling encounter. If the match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, it will head to extra time, and if the tie persists, penalties will determine who advances to the final. The winner will face Real Madrid, who secured their place in the final after eliminating Real Sociedad with a 5-4 aggregate victory.
This Copa del Rey semifinal is more than just a match; it’s a battle for pride, redemption, and a shot at glory. With so much on the line, fans can expect fireworks as Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona clash in what promises to be an unforgettable evening of football.
