FC Barcelona is set to clash with Atlético de Madrid this Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano for the second leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal tie. Following a thrilling 4-4 draw in the first leg, both teams are gearing up for an electrifying encounter that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The stakes couldn't be higher for Barça, who are not only looking to secure a spot in the Cup final but also to keep their treble dream alive. After a stellar season so far, the Catalans are riding high on an impressive unbeaten streak of 20 matches in 2025, boasting 17 wins and 3 draws. Their recent form includes a dominant 4-1 victory over Girona, where Robert Lewandowski showcased his prowess by scoring twice, bringing his league tally to 25 goals.
On the other hand, Atlético Madrid faces a daunting challenge. The colchoneros have struggled in recent weeks, with only 3 victories in their last 10 matches, accompanied by 4 draws and 3 losses. Their latest setback was a 4-2 defeat to Barça in LaLiga, and they are desperate to turn their fortunes around in this crucial Cup tie.
Hansi Flick, the head coach of Barcelona, expressed confidence in his squad ahead of the match. "We feel proud of this team. It's not by luck that we've reached this point: we deserve it," he stated. Flick is determined to lead his team to victory, emphasizing that despite their recent success, the focus remains solely on the upcoming match. "We want to reach the final, but it won't be easy because Atlético is a fantastic team that knows how to play until the last minute," he added.
Flick also confirmed that Raphinha is back to full fitness and ready to contribute. "Without a doubt, he's at one hundred percent. He's ready," Flick said, highlighting the importance of the Brazilian winger in their attacking strategy. Despite the absence of Dani Olmo due to a myofascial injury, the return of Raphinha and Pau Cubarsí provides a significant boost to the squad.
As for Atlético, Diego Simeone's side is looking to regain its pride. The team has been in a slump, struggling to recover from a heartbreaking exit in the Champions League and their recent league performances. Simeone knows that this match could be a turning point for his players, who are eager to make a statement against their rivals.
"We have to find the player who knows how to defend because we have to defend from the top, also in the offense. We have several options, and there are small differences: today I won't decide," Simeone said, hinting at potential tactical surprises for the match.
The history between these two teams adds another layer of intrigue to the matchup. In their last 17 encounters, Barcelona has claimed victory 9 times, while Atlético has managed to win only 4, with 4 matches ending in draws. The Catalans have outscored Atlético 28 goals to 19 in this time frame, showcasing their dominance in recent years.
Moreover, the Cup history between the two sides favors Barcelona, who have triumphed in 13 of the 22 direct eliminations contested against Atlético. The last time these teams met in the Copa del Rey, Barça emerged victorious, and they will be looking to repeat that success this Wednesday.
As the match approaches, both teams are preparing for the possibility of extra time and penalties. Flick noted, "We're focusing on the match, on the 90 minutes, and if 120 or penalties are needed, we'll play the same. We're facing a very good team that knows how to take advantage of mistakes, and I'm not thinking about extra time." This mindset reflects the intensity and competitive spirit that defines knockout football.
With the match set to kick off at 3:30 PM ET, fans around the world are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a thrilling showdown. The stakes are high, and both teams are ready to fight for their place in the final. For Barcelona, a victory would solidify their position as one of the top teams in Europe, while Atlético aims to reignite their season and reclaim their status as a formidable force in Spanish football.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, the excitement builds. Will Barcelona secure their spot in the Cup final and keep their treble hopes alive, or will Atlético Madrid rise to the occasion and turn the tide in their favor? The Metropolitano will undoubtedly be a cauldron of emotions as these two giants of Spanish football battle it out for glory.
