Two Spanish giants, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, collide in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final at the Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. With the tie level at 4-4 after an epic first leg, both sides are aiming for a ticket to the final in Seville on April 26.
Atleti staged a thrilling comeback in the first leg, scoring twice late on to salvage a draw in a chaotic contest. But with their La Liga hopes fading and already eliminated from Europe, Diego Simeone’s side are under pressure to salvage their season.
Barcelona, in contrast, are flying high under Hansi Flick, with a 20-match unbeaten run and momentum across La Liga, the Champions League, and now the Copa del Rey. Will tired legs or depth decide this heated rematch?
A turbulent month has seen Atletico crash out of the Champions League and fall away in La Liga. Their 4-2 home defeat to Barcelona before the international break was particularly bruising, and they’ve since followed it up with a 1-1 draw at Espanyol, stretching their winless run to five (D1, L4).
Despite that, Los Colchoneros rallied from two goals down to earn a draw in the first leg, proving they can hurt Barcelona. But with Angel Correa suspended and multiple players returning from long travel post-international duty, Simeone’s rotation and tactical nous will be tested.
❌ Losses: 4 of last 5
🏟 Last match: 1-1 draw vs Espanyol
🏆 Last Copa del Rey title: 2012–13
Julián Álvarez – Scored in both recent H2Hs.
Antoine Griezmann – The creative force in Atleti’s attack.
Rodrigo De Paul – Returns to add steel in midfield.
❌ Koke (muscle injury, doubtful)
❌ Angel Correa (suspended)
✅ Robin Le Normand expected to be fit but may start on bench
Barça’s 4-1 thrashing of Girona last weekend extended their unbeaten streak to 20 games in all competitions (W17, D3). Their offensive output has been immense — 139 goals in 45 matches, the most in La Liga this season.
Flick’s side are chasing a potential quadruple, having already secured the Spanish Super Cup, and with La Liga and Champions League runs ongoing. Despite a heavy fixture list, Barça’s rotation and squad depth continue to deliver.
They’ve also beaten Atletico in each of their last three visits to the Metropolitano, making them confident favourites to finish the job.
✅ 4-1 win vs Girona (last match)
✅ 3 consecutive away wins vs Atletico
🏆 Last Copa del Rey title: 2020–21
Robert Lewandowski – Scored in last two H2Hs. Deadly late in games.
Lamine Yamal – Teenage phenom creating havoc on the right.
Raphinha – Well-rested and ready to return to the XI.
❌ Marc-André ter Stegen (injured)
❌ Dani Olmo (adductor injury)
❌ Pau Cubarsí and Christensen (fitness to be assessed)
Feb 2025 (La Liga): Atletico 2-4 Barcelona
Mar 2025 (Copa del Rey 1st Leg): Barcelona 4-4 Atletico
Oct 2024 (La Liga): Barcelona 2-1 Atletico
Overall H2H in Copa del Rey semis: Barcelona have progressed 8 of last 9 times; Atletico 0 of last 3
Barcelona have scored 4 goals in each of their last 2 matches vs Atletico
Atletico have lost 4 of their last 5 games
Barça are unbeaten in 20 matches
Atletico’s last Copa del Rey win over Barcelona came in 2017
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Barcelona’s clinical attack and winning momentum give them the edge, even against a defiant Atleti side at home. With injuries mounting and Correa missing, Simeone’s options are stretched.
Expect Lewandowski to score again, with Barcelona grinding out a win and booking a place in the final.
📌 Both Teams to Score: Yes
4-4 first leg and open attacking setups suggest more goals.
📌 Over 2.5 Goals: Yes
Last 2 H2Hs saw 8 and 6 goals respectively.
📌 Anytime Goalscorer: Robert Lewandowski
Last 6 goals have come in second halves.
📌 Correct Score Tip: 1-2 Barcelona
Likely a tight win for the visitors.
📌 Half-Time Result: Draw
Expect a cautious opening before Barcelona pull away.
🧤 Musso
🛡️ Llorente – Gimenez – Lenglet – Reinildo
⚙️ Simeone – Barrios – De Paul – Lino
⚔️ Álvarez – Griezmann
🧤 Szczesny
🛡️ Kounde – Cubarsi – Martinez – Balde
⚙️ De Jong – Pedri
⚡ Yamal – Gavi – Raphinha
🎯 Lewandowski
📅 Match Date: April 2, 2025
🏟 Venue: Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid
⏰ Kickoff Time: 8:30 PM UK Time
With Barcelona eyeing a treble and Atletico battling for relevance, this is a semi-final with massive implications. Expect fireworks, drama, and another cracking contest between two of Spain’s most iconic sides.
🟥 Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 — through to the Copa del Rey final!
Let me know if you’d like a preview for Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad, or the final preview when this one is settled!
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