Atletico Madrid is set to host Barcelona in a highly anticipated Copa del Rey semifinal second leg on Wednesday. After a thrilling 4-4 aggregate draw from the first leg, this match promises to be a tense decider.
Both Spanish giants are fiercely competing for a place in the final, where Real Madrid awaits the winner. For Atletico, the Copa del Rey represents a prime opportunity to secure silverware this season, especially after being eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid and trailing Barcelona by nine points in La Liga.
Barcelona faces a demanding schedule, playing nine games in just 29 days. While they`ve managed two wins in their recent fixtures, the true test of their title ambitions lies ahead. This match against Atletico, followed by the Champions League quarterfinals against Borussia Dortmund, will reveal Barcelona`s resilience and championship caliber, particularly after periods of perceived complacency this season.
Here’s a preview of what to expect:
Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, April 2
- Location: Metropolitano Stadium — Madrid, Spain
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Atletico Madrid +188; Draw +275; Barcelona +135
Recent Encounter
The two sides recently clashed in La Liga, where Barcelona mounted a comeback to defeat Atletico Madrid 4-2 at the Metropolitano. Despite Atletico taking a 2-0 lead with goals from Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth, Barcelona responded with goals from Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres (twice), and Lamine Yamal to secure a vital league victory.
Atletico Madrid`s Perspective
There`s a palpable sense that this match is crucial for Atletico, particularly after their Champions League exit and struggles to keep pace in La Liga. However, manager Diego Simeone insists that the season should not be considered a failure regardless of Wednesday`s outcome.
`Failure is not trying. If you don`t try, you fail,` Simeone stated in his pre-match press conference. `For me, the season has been very good. We competed well in the Champions League, in La Liga, and reached the Copa del Rey semifinals. The outcome of this match will determine whether it`s a very good, extraordinary, or just an average season.`
Atletico is motivated by the prospect of ending a solid season with a trophy. Simeone emphasizes sticking to their tactical approach but also highlights the importance of optimism in securing victory.
`Against Barcelona, we must play with joy and hope, similar to the first leg,` he added. `I will not deviate from this approach.`
Barcelona`s Perspective
Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, faces a significant challenge against Atletico, as the pursuit of trophies intensifies in the Copa del Rey semifinals. Flick downplayed expectations in his pre-match comments, acknowledging that major titles are not yet secured.
`We know we haven`t achieved anything yet – aside from the Spanish Supercopa, which is in the past. We aim to reach the final, but it won`t be easy,` Flick told ESPN. `This might be the most attainable title for us, as it`s just one win away from the final. La Liga, on the other hand, still has many matches to play.`
Flick expressed respect for Atletico and Simeone`s tactical approach, echoing Simeone`s mutual praise.
`Atletico has a fantastic coach in Diego Simeone and an experienced team that knows their playing style,` Flick noted. `They consistently compete until the final whistle. It will be a tough match. Atletico will play their usual game with high intensity and aggression. I admire their playing style and speed.`
Predicted Lineups
Atletico Madrid: Juan Musso, Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand, Clement Lenglet, Cesar Azpilicueta, Giuliano Simeone, Conor Gallagher, Pablo Barrios, Samuel Lino, Alexander Sorloth, Julian Alvarez
Barcelona: Wojciech Szczesny, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde, Eric García, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski
Player to Watch
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona: In a tight contest like this, individual brilliance can be decisive. While both teams have potential game-changers, Barcelona`s Lamine Yamal stands out.
The 17-year-old has seamlessly transitioned to professional football, amassing 13 goals and 16 assists this season. He has a knack for performing in crucial matches, with a goal against Real Madrid and a goal and assist against Atletico since the start of the year. Supported by in-form players like Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, Yamal is rapidly becoming Barcelona`s leading figure, and this semifinal provides an ideal stage to reaffirm his status.
Key Storyline
Barcelona`s Trophy Pursuit: Despite initial doubts after a turbulent offseason, Barcelona is now a serious contender in La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. This semifinal is a critical test of their ability to convert potential into tangible success.
While not necessarily a make-or-break moment, given their La Liga favoritism and renewed optimism, this game offers a crucial gauge of their trophy-winning credentials. A victory would solidify their ambitions, while a defeat could raise questions about their ability to secure silverware at a critical juncture of the season.
Prediction
Expect a close and competitive match, with a slight edge to Barcelona. They possess sufficient quality to overcome a strong Atletico side, especially with returning players bolstering their squad. Prediction: Atletico Madrid 2, Barcelona 3
Dominic Ashworth