Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are set to clash on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 17:30 (Brasília time), at the Estadio Olímpico Lluís Companys, as they face off in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals.
This encounter is significant for both teams. Barcelona, the defending champions and the most successful club in Copa del Rey history with 31 titles, is eager to recover from inconsistent performances this season. After narrowly defeating Las Palmas 2-0 in their last La Liga fixture, they view this tournament as their best shot at silverware.
Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, is riding high on success. Having eliminated Marbella, Elche, and Getafe en route to the semifinals, they are currently pursuing their eleventh Copa del Rey title. This match sets the stage for them to secure an advantageous position before the return leg.
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN and Disney+, catering to fans eager to follow this thrilling matchup. With the teams’ histories and current forms, expectations are high for what promises to be an exciting encounter.
Barcelona's lineup will likely feature key players such as Robert Lewandowski, who remains pivotal to their attacking strategies, supported by the likes of Gavi and De Jong. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid will rely on the skills of Antoine Griezmann and Jan Oblak, seeking to disrupt Barcelona’s rhythm.
Both teams boast strong squads, and the tactical battle between managers Xavi Hernandez of Barcelona and Diego Simeone from Atletico adds another layer of intrigue to the matchup.
On the injury front, Barcelona will miss Marc-André ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, and Andreas Christensen, which could impact their defensive solidity. Fortunately for Atletico, they report no significant injury concerns, putting them at full strength as they aim to capitalize on any vulnerabilities from their opponents.
So, as the clock ticks down to kickoff, fans can expect intensity and skill from both sides. The winner of this tie will not only advance to the final but certainly garner bragging rights, considering their historic rivalry.
The return leg is scheduled for April 2 at the Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano, setting the stage for what could be one of the most memorable clashes in recent Copa del Rey history.
This semifinal signifies more than just another match; it embodies each team’s pursuit of glory and the pursuit of their place among Spain’s elite football clubs.