Back
Sports

FC Barcelona Prepares for Copa del Rey Semifinal Second Leg Against Atlético Madrid

Generated on: Last updated: 2 sources
View source

Copa del Rey Semifinal Second Leg: Barcelona Faces Uphill Battle Against Atlético Madrid

FC Barcelona is scheduled to face Atlético Madrid in the second leg of the 2025-26 Copa del Rey semifinals on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Camp Nou. Atlético Madrid holds a significant 4-0 aggregate lead from the first leg. Barcelona will contend with several player absences, including suspensions and injuries, as they aim to overturn this substantial deficit at home.

Match Details: Kick-off, Venue, and Officials

The highly anticipated match is set to kick off at 9pm CET/WAT, 8pm GMT, 3pm ET, 12pm PT, and 1.30am IST (Wednesday, March 4, 2026). The iconic Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, will host the crucial encounter.

Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea will serve as the referee for the match, with Daniel Jesús Trujillo Suárez overseeing Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties.

Aggregate Score and High Stakes

Atlético Madrid enters the second leg with a commanding four-goal advantage, having secured a decisive 4-0 victory in the first leg.

Barcelona faces an immense challenge and must overcome this significant deficit at home to advance to the Copa del Rey final.

Team Status and Key Absences

Both teams will navigate the second leg with notable player absences.

FC Barcelona: A Challenging Roster

FC Barcelona will be without multiple key players, impacting their defensive, midfield, and attacking options:

  • Suspension: Central defender Eric García is suspended following a red card received in the first leg.
  • Injuries: Defender Andreas Christensen, midfielder Frenkie de Jong, and star forward Robert Lewandowski (due to a fractured eye socket) are all unavailable.
  • Fitness: Midfielder Gavi, who recently returned to training after a six-month absence, is not expected to be match-fit for a full game.

Atlético Madrid: One Absence Noted

For Atlético Madrid, midfielder Pablo Barrios is unavailable for the second leg.

Recent Form and Home Advantage

Barcelona's recent performance includes two wins and three losses (WLLWW) in their last five matches across all competitions. However, their home form presents a glimmer of hope.

At Camp Nou, Barcelona boasts a formidable record of 10 consecutive victories since November.

Atlético Madrid's recent form shows three wins, one draw, and one loss (LDWWW), indicating a strong run of results.

Projected Starting Lineups

Due to the array of player absences, Barcelona's projected starting XI is anticipated to feature several changes across the pitch. Gerard Martín is expected to step into central defense, Dani Olmo is projected to start in midfield, and Ferran Torres is anticipated to lead the forward line.

FC Barcelona (4-2-3-1):

  • Goalkeeper: Joan García
  • Defenders: Jules Koundé (RB), Pau Cubarsí (CB), Gerard Martín (CB), Alejandro Balde (LB)
  • Midfielders: Dani Olmo (DM), Pedri (DM)
  • Forwards: Lamine Yamal (RW), Fermín López (AM), Raphinha (LW), Ferran Torres (ST)

Atlético Madrid (4-4-2) - Possible Lineup:

  • Goalkeeper: Musso
  • Defenders: Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri
  • Midfielders: Simeone, Koke, Johnny, Lookman
  • Forwards: Griezmann, Alvarez