Barcelona and Atletico Madrid face off in a thrilling Copa del Rey semi-final first leg at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium. With both teams in the La Liga title race and progressing in the Champions League, this match could set the tone for the remainder of their season.
📅 Match Date: February 26, 2025
⏰ Nepali Time: 2:15 AM
🏟 Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
Team Preview
Barcelona’s Performance
Barcelona, the most successful team in Copa del Rey history with 31 titles, are aiming for their first trophy since 2020-21. They have cruised through the tournament, defeating Barbastro, Real Betis, and Valencia while scoring 14 goals.
Hansi Flick’s side are in fine form, riding a 13-match unbeaten streak in all competitions. A 2-0 victory over Las Palmas on Saturday kept them at the top of La Liga, level on points with Real Madrid but ahead on the head-to-head record.
Atletico Madrid’s Performance
Atletico Madrid are also enjoying a strong season, sitting just one point behind Barcelona in La Liga and progressing to the Champions League last-16, where they will face Real Madrid.
Diego Simeone’s side are unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions, including a dominant 3-0 win over Valencia in La Liga. Atletico have won the Copa del Rey 10 times but last lifted the trophy in 2013.
Head-to-Head and Key Stats
- Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 13 matches across all competitions.
- Atletico defeated Barcelona 2-1 in La Liga earlier this season, ending a five-match losing streak against them.
- Their last Copa del Rey meeting was in the 2016-17 semi-finals, where Barcelona won 3-2 on aggregate.
- Atletico Madrid have not beaten Barcelona in the Copa del Rey since April 2000.
Match Prediction
Both teams are in great form, but Barcelona’s home advantage and strong Copa del Rey history make them slight favorites. However, Atletico’s attacking firepower, led by Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann, could cause problems.
Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Atletico Madrid
Team News
Barcelona Team News
- Injuries: Marc Bernal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen (both unavailable).
- Doubts: Lamine Yamal (foot injury, expected to play), Andreas Christensen (fitness test).
- Squad Updates: Dani Olmo, Frenkie de Jong, Inigo Martinez, and Ronald Araujo are expected to return to the starting XI.
Barcelona Possible Starting XI:
Szczesny, Kounde, Araujo, I. Martinez, Balde, De Jong, Pedri, Raphinha, Olmo, Yamal, Lewandowski
Atletico Madrid Team News
- Injuries: Koke (doubtful).
- Squad Updates: Juan Musso will start in goal as Atletico’s Copa del Rey goalkeeper. Pablo Barrios returns from suspension. Javi Galan and Jose Gimenez are set to start.
Atletico Madrid Possible Starting XI:
Musso, Molina, Gimenez, Le Normand, Galan, Simeone, De Paul, Barrios, Lino, Griezmann, Alvarez
Where to Watch from Nepal
Fans in Nepal can watch the match live on:
✅ Score808
✅ Live7HD
✅ Epics Sports
