On February 25, 2025, one of the most anticipated matches in European football will take place as FC Barcelona faces Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals at the Estadio Olímpico de Montjuic.
Both teams are riding high on impressive form, with Barcelona sitting at the top of LaLiga alongside Real Madrid, each boasting 54 points. Meanwhile, Atlético is close behind at third place with 53 points. This encounter marks not just another chapter in their storied rivalry, but also a significant opportunity for both teams to secure their passage to the final of the prestigious cup.
Barcelona recently showcased their strength by demolishing Valencia with a commanding 5-0 victory, and prior to this, they clinched another win over UD Las Palmas. Their performance has seen them win 11 of their last 13 matches, instilling confidence among players and supporters alike.
Atlético Madrid, under the management of Diego Simeone, has been equally formidable, securing wins against Getafe (5-0) and Elche (4-0) to earn their spot among the final four. Having achieved 20 wins from their last 24 matches, Atlético's resilience makes them a formidable opponent.
The last meeting between these two sides saw Atlético ride home victorious with a 2-1 win over Barcelona on December 21, 2024, when Alexander Sørloth scored the game-winner deep in stoppage time. This match will certainly be another opportunity for both teams to demonstrate their capabilities.
The match kicks off at 14:30 (CDMX time) and is expected to draw over 55,000 spectators at the stadium, each eager to witness this monumental clash. Fans will be treated to exciting plays and tactical displays, making it one of the highlights of the football calendar.
For those wondering how to catch the action live, fans across different regions can tune in via various networks. Viewers in Mexico can watch it exclusively on Sky Sports, fans from South America can tune in through DirecTV, and those residing in Spain can watch on TVE La 1, M+ Copa del Rey, or Movistar Plus+. ESPN+ covers the match for viewers located within the United States.
Coach Diego Simeone expressed his thoughts on the upcoming match, acknowledging the challenges posed by Barcelona’s potent offensive style. "We have an idea of the match we want to face, we will manage it with the boys before the game. I like how this rival plays; they have very good offensive strength and maintain a very high line. We will try to hurt them," Simeone stated, giving fans insights on his strategies for the match.
The one-off nature of cup matches heightens the stakes, and the two-legged format will add extra layers of intrigue, as both teams will return to face each other again on April 2 for the second leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium.
Expectations are high as the second leg nears, hinting at tactical battles, skillful displays, and possibly defining moments for both clubs at this pivotal stage of the tournament.