Barcelona is gearing up to face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night for the first semifinal match of the Copa del Rey at the Olympic Stadium named after Luis Companys. The match is scheduled to kick off at 23:30 MSK with live coverage starting at 23:00 on Match TV and Match! Football 2 channels, as well as on the websites matchtv.ru and sportbox.ru. The decisive return leg will take place on April 2.
The reigning holders of the Copa del Rey are Athletic Bilbao, but Barca stands as the tournament's most successful club with 31 total victories. Their last title came during the 2020-2021 season. Atletico, on the other hand, has secured the cup 10 times, with their last triumph dating back to 2013.
Coming off impressive quarterfinals, where Barcelona triumphed over Valencia 5-0, and Atletico dominated Getafe by the same scoreline, both clubs enter the match with strong momentum. Barcelona's domination is reflected not only in their victories but also their remarkable goal-scoring ability, evidenced by their 67 goals over 25 league encounters this season.
The stakes are particularly high for Barcelona, who aim to cement their legacy as the greatest team in Spanish football history. They have shown formidable form, scoring convincingly against Valencia, with notable performances from their key players. Despite intense competition, the side under coach Xavi Hernandez has remained unbeaten against other top clubs this season.
Atletico Madrid arrives at the semifinal also bolstered by their recent performances, having crushed Huesca and Elche 5-0 en route to the semifinals. Following their relentless pursuit of the title, Atletico currently sits third on the La Liga table, trailing Barcelona by just one point. Their strengths lie not only in scoring but also their tactical resilience, nurtured under the seasoned leadership of Diego Simeone.
Historically, when these two giants clash, predictions often hover around razor-thin margins. TV Mag forecasts this match to end 3-2 in favor of Barcelona, reflecting the tight competition expected on the pitch. This semifinal encounter will also serve as preparation for Barcelona as they face Real Madrid next week.
Barcelona has previously faced adversity against Atletico. Notably, Atletico triumphed over Barcelona on their own turf early this season, showcasing their capability to dismantle even the most formidable opponents. With the two teams now vying for the prestigious Copa del Rey, the rivalry is expected to intensify, making this semifinal one of the most anticipated clashes of the season.
Upon the excitement of the semifinal match, fans should prepare for what is sure to be an electrifying night of football. Both clubs have deep histories with this tournament, and any victory will send the winner to the finals against either Real Madrid or Real Sociedad.
Analyzing both sides, it's clear enthusiasts can look forward to high stakes, strategic gameplay, and nail-biting moments as they witness this historic showdown. With both Barcelona and Atletico aiming for glory, the Copa del Rey match on Tuesday promises to deliver the drama and intensity of knockout-stage football.