Atletico Madrid is set to host Barcelona this Wednesday in a highly anticipated Copa del Rey semifinal second leg, following a thrilling 4-4 draw in the first match in February.
Both Spanish giants are fiercely competing for a spot in the final, where Real Madrid awaits. For Atletico, the Copa del Rey might be their most viable path to silverware this season, especially after being eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid and trailing Barcelona by nine points in La Liga.
Barcelona is navigating a packed schedule, playing nine games in just 29 days. While they`ve secured two wins recently against weaker opponents, Atletico presents a significantly tougher challenge. This match, along with the upcoming Champions League quarterfinal against Borussia Dortmund, will be a crucial test of Barcelona`s ambitions for titles, particularly in a season where they have often seemed to be playing comfortably.
Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, April 2
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid, Spain
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Atletico Madrid +188; Draw +275; Barcelona +135
Previous Encounter
These teams recently clashed in La Liga, where Barcelona mounted a comeback to defeat Atletico Madrid 4-2. 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
Atletico Madrid recognizes the importance of this match, especially after their Champions League exit and distant position in the La Liga title race. However, manager Diego Simeone insists that their season is already successful, regardless of Wednesday`s outcome.
`Failure is not trying. If you don`t try, you fail,` Simeone stated. `For me, the season has been very good. We performed well in the Champions League, competed in La Liga, and reached the Copa del Rey semifinals. The outcome of this match will define if it`s a very good, extraordinary, or just average season.`
Atletico is motivated by the prospect of winning a trophy to cap off a strong season. Simeone emphasizes sticking to their tactical approach but also highlights the need for optimism to succeed against Barcelona.
`Against Barcelona, we must play with joy and hope, similar to our first-leg performance,` he said. `My approach will remain consistent.`
Barcelona`s Perspective
Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, faces a significant test against Atletico as they pursue the Copa del Rey title. Flick, in his pre-match conference, tempered expectations, noting that despite winning the Spanish Supercopa, much remains to be achieved.
`We know we haven`t achieved anything significant yet – the Supercopa is past. Now, our goal is the final, which won`t be easy,` Flick commented. `This could be the most immediate title we can win, just like for them. One more win to reach the final. La Liga still has many games ahead.`
Flick acknowledged Atletico`s strength and Simeone`s tactical prowess, echoing Simeone`s mutual respect.
`Atletico has a fantastic coach in Diego Simeone, and a seasoned team that knows their game plan,` Flick added. `They are persistent until the final whistle. It will be a tough game. Atletico will play their usual style – high intensity and aggressive. I admire their playing style and speed.`
Projected Starting 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
Key Player to Watch
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona: In a tight contest like this, individual brilliance can be decisive. Lamine Yamal of Barcelona stands out as a potential game-changer.
The 17-year-old has seamlessly transitioned into professional football, amassing 13 goals and 16 assists this season. He has a knack for performing in crucial matches, scoring against Real Madrid and contributing goals and assists against Atletico since the start of the year. Supported by players like Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, Yamal is emerging as Barcelona`s leading figure, and this semifinal presents an ideal stage to reaffirm his status.
Main Storyline
Barcelona`s Pursuit of Trophies: Despite initial doubts, Barcelona is now a serious contender for La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League as the season nears its climax. The semifinal clash will test their ability to convert potential into tangible success.
This game isn`t necessarily make-or-break for Barcelona, who are still favored in La Liga and optimistic about their Champions League chances against Borussia Dortmund. However, failing to capitalize on this semifinal opportunity could raise questions about their trophy-winning capabilities at a critical juncture of the season. Securing a win would significantly boost their confidence in their quest for silverware.
Match Prediction
Expect a closely fought match that slightly favors Barcelona. They possess the quality to edge out a strong Atletico side, especially with key players returning to form at the opportune moment. Prediction: Atletico Madrid 2, Barcelona 3
Adrian Whitmore 
Benedict Kingsley