Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona: Match Preview, Predictions, and Lineups
Barcelona is set to clash with Atlético Madrid on Thursday in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal. Both teams have a rich history in this tournament, but this year’s matchup holds special significance. Last season, Barcelona overcame Atlético in a thrilling contest, winning 5-4 on aggregate to capture their 32nd Copa del Rey title. This time, they face them again on February 12 in a crucial encounter.
Match Preview: Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona
The two teams will meet at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, kicking off at 3:00 p.m. ET, 12:00 p.m. PT, and 8:00 p.m. GMT. Barcelona enters the match as the most consistent team in Spain, having lost only one of their last 18 games. Their recent performance includes a dominant 3-0 victory against Mallorca.
In contrast, Atlético Madrid has struggled to maintain form. Despite a commanding 5-0 win over Real Betis to reach the semifinals, they suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat to the same team in La Liga shortly after. This inconsistency puts pressure on coach Diego Simeone as they prepare to face off against their rivals.
Recent Head-to-Head Record
- Last Five Encounters:
- Atlético Madrid: 1 win
- Barcelona: 3 wins
- Draws: 1
- Most Recent Meeting: Barcelona 3-1 Atlético Madrid (December 2, 2025, La Liga)
Current Team Form
| Atlético Madrid | Barcelona |
|---|---|
| 0-1 vs. Real Betis | 3-0 vs. Mallorca |
| 5-0 vs. Real Betis | 2-1 vs. Albacete |
| 0-0 vs. Levante | 3-1 vs. Elche |
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Atlético Madrid will face several challenges with player fitness. Pablo Barrios is sidelined due to a muscular injury, and Johnny Cardoso is doubtful. Veteran captain Koke is expected to lead the midfield, possibly alongside Rodrigo Mendoza. Starting goalkeeper Juan Musso is set to remain in goal, supported by defenders such as Dávid Hancko and José María Giménez.
- Atlético Madrid Predicted Lineup (4-4-2):
- Musso; Llorente, Giménez, Hancko, Ruggeri; Koke, Mendoza, Barrios, Baena; Álvarez, Lookman.
Barcelona will also miss key players, including Pedri and Raphinha, with Rashford out due to a precaution. Ferran Torres is likely to fill the left-wing role, while Frenkie de Jong will anchor the midfield. Defensively, manager Flick is expected to field Pau Cubarsí and Eric García at center back.
- Barcelona Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
- García; Koundé, Cubarsí, García, Balde; López, De Jong, Olmo; Yamal, Lewandowski, Torres.
Score Prediction
Historically, Atlético Madrid’s counter-attacking strategy has posed challenges for Barcelona’s defense. Both teams have displayed attacking prowess recently, and with Barcelona scoring 15 goals in their last five matches, a lively match is anticipated. Expect a thrilling contest, likely ending in a draw.
Prediction: Atlético Madrid 2 – 2 Barcelona.
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