Atlético get the tougher draw in the semifinals.
Atlético de Madrid have been handed the most difficult tie possible in Friday’s Copa del Rey semifinal, as the Colchoneros will face holders FC Barcelona in a two-legged tie starting next week.
In the inverse of last season’s cup semifinal, Atlético will host the first leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano next Wednesday or Thursday night. The second leg will be held at Camp Nou in the first week of March.
Athletic Club and Real Sociedad will contest the Basque Derby in the other semifinal; Athletic will host the first leg at San Mamés. The winners of the semifinal ties will meet in the final at La Cartuja on April 18.
To return to Seville — the sight of Thursday’s quarterfinal thrashing of Real Betis — for their first Copa del Rey final appearance since 2013, Atlético will have to eliminate Barcelona from this competition, something the Rojiblancos haven’t been able to do in a quarter-century.
Barça have won 16 of their past 17 games in all competitions, and the Blaugrana have not lost at Camp Nou since it reopened in November. Eight of the past 10 meetings between Barça and Atleti have gone the Catalan side’s way, with one draw and one Atleti win. In addition, an injury to Pablo Barrios in Thursday’s 5-0 win at Betis will likely rule out the influential midfielder for the first leg.
Even still, maybe the third time will prove to be the charm for Atleti, who reached the Copa del Rey semis in 2024 and 2025 only to stumble at the penultimate hurdle.
The complete Copa del Rey semifinal draw
Club Atlético de Madrid vs FC Barcelona
Athletic Club vs Real Sociedad de Fútbol
Category: General Sports
