Copa del Rey Semi-Finals: Barcelona-Atlético & Real Sociedad-Real Madrid Showdowns

The Copa del Rey semi-finals are set to deliver high-intensity clashes as four of Spain’s top clubs vie for a spot in the final. FC Barcelona faces Atlético Madrid tonight in a highly anticipated first-leg encounter, while Real Sociedad hosts Real Madrid tomorrow. These matches promise thrilling action and could significantly impact the teams’ domestic campaigns.

FC Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid

Match Overview

This evening, FC Barcelona welcomes Atlético Madrid to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys for the first leg of their semi-final clash. This match marks the beginning of a trilogy between these two powerhouses, who are scheduled to meet three times in the coming weeks: twice in the Copa del Rey semi-finals and once in La Liga.

La Liga Context

The La Liga title race is intensifying, with Barcelona and Real Madrid both leading the table at 54 points, closely followed by Atlético Madrid with 53 points. These upcoming fixtures are poised to significantly impact the standings and the pursuit of domestic glory.

FC Barcelona’s Current Form and Key Players

Barcelona’s head coach, Hansi Flick, has emphasized the need for his team to be more clinical in front of goal, especially after their 2-1 home defeat to Atlético in December. Flick is optimistic about the return of Lamine Yamal, who missed recent training due to injury, and midfielder Dani Olmo, who is recovering from a calf issue. Olmo has been a key contributor this season, with seven goals and three assists in 22 appearances since joining from RB Leipzig. Meanwhile, Barcelona will rely on the prowess of striker Robert Lewandowski, whose goal-scoring acumen remains crucial to their offensive strategy.

Atlético Madrid’s Current Form and Key Players

Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid arrives in great form, aiming to extend their unbeaten run. Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez have been lethal in recent weeks, forming a dynamic attacking duo that will test Barça’s defense. Atlético’s last victory in Barcelona ended an 18 year winless streak in away fixtures against the Catalans, adding even more confidence to their squad.

Path to the Semi-Final

• FC Barcelona: Barcelona’s Copa del Rey journey has been impressive. They defeated Real Betis 5-1 in the round of 16 and thrashed Valencia 5-0 in the quarter-finals on February 6, 2025, with Ferran Torres scoring a remarkable quadruple to send his team through.
  
• Atlético Madrid: Atlético Madrid has been dominant, beginning their Copa del Rey campaign with a 4-0 win over Elche in the round of 16 and following up with a 5-0 demolition of Getafe in the quarter-finals on February 4, 2025.

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid

Match Overview

Tomorrow, Real Sociedad hosts Real Madrid at the Reale Arena in the first leg of their semi-final encounter. Real Sociedad boasts an impressive home record, securing 11 victories in their last 13 matches at the Reale Arena. Over the past four months, they have netted 27 goals and conceded only seven on home turf, transforming their stadium into a formidable fortress.

Real Madrid’s Current Form and Key Players

Real Madrid, under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, approaches this fixture with momentum from recent triumphs, including a notable victory over Manchester City in the Champions League. A standout performer has been Dani Ceballos, who has revitalized his role in midfield, earning a starting position ahead of players like Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modric. Additionally, forward Kylian Mbappé has been in exceptional form, consistently finding the back of the net and proving to be an invaluable asset to Real Madrid’s attacking lineup.However, Mbappé recently underwent dental surgery but is confirmed to be available for tomorrow’s match. On the other hand, Fede Valverde and Thibaut Courtois are following specific recovery programs and will not feature in the match.

Real Sociedad’s Current Form and Key Players

Real Sociedad has been impressive this season, particularly in their home matches. Alexander Sørloth has been a key contributor, scoring regularly and helping the team remain competitive in La Liga. However, Real Sociedad is facing a defensive crisis, with injuries to Jon Pacheco and Hamary Traoré, both of whom will miss this encounter.

Path to the Semi-Final:

• Real Sociedad: Real Sociedad’s Copa del Rey run started with a 3-1 win over Rayo Vallecano in the round of 16 on January 16, 2025. They then triumphed 2-0 over Osasuna in the quarter-finals on February 6, 2025, securing their place in the semi-finals against Real Madrid.
  
• Real Madrid: Real Madrid began their journey with a 5-2 win over Celta Vigo in the round of 16. In the quarter-finals, they advanced in dramatic fashion, defeating CD Leganés 3-2, with Gonzalo García scoring a last-minute goal in the 90+3 minute to seal their qualification.

Semi-Final Format

Unlike previous single-match rounds, the Copa del Rey semi-finals are contested over two legs. The return fixtures are scheduled for April 1 and 2, 2025. Notably, the away goals rule does not apply; if the aggregate score is level after both matches, the tie will proceed to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout to determine the finalist.

These semi-final matchups promise high-stakes drama and showcase some of Spain’s finest football talent, as each team vies for a coveted spot in the Copa del Rey final. With key players in form and the stakes higher than ever, these encounters are set to captivate fans and shape the remainder of the season.