Match Overview
The upcoming match between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid is the first leg of the 2024-25 Copa del Rey semi-finals, set for February 25, 2025, at 9:30 PM CET. This game will take place at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona, Spain, and is expected to be a crucial encounter for both teams aiming to advance to the final.
Team News and Lineups
Both teams face challenges with player availability. Barcelona will be without Marc-André ter Stegen and Marc Bernal, with Ansu Fati, Andreas Christensen, and Lamine Yamal listed as doubtful. Despite these absences, key players like Pedri and Robert Lewandowski are expected to feature. Atlético Madrid has doubts over César Azpilicueta and Koke, but their attacking duo of Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann remains a threat.
Possible lineups are:
| Team | Formation | Possible Lineup |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 4-2-3-1 | Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsí, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski |
| Atlético Madrid | 4-4-2 | Musso; Llorente, Giménez, Le Normand, Galán; Simeone, De Paul, Barrios, Lino; Griezmann, Álvarez |
Prediction and Viewing Options
The prediction from recent analysis is a 1-1 draw, suggesting a tight game where both teams will likely take their chances to the second leg. Fans can watch the match on TV via Startimes World Football (Nigeria), TVE La 1, or Movistar (Spain), and online streaming is available on ESPN+ (USA), FanCode (India), or Movistar+ (Spain) (ESPN+).
Unexpected Detail
An interesting aspect is the historical context: Barcelona is looking to avenge a late defeat to Atlético in their last meeting in 2024, adding extra motivation for the home side.
Comprehensive Match Analysis and Background
This section provides a detailed examination of the Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, scheduled for February 25, 2025, at 9:30 PM CET at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The match is part of the 2024-25 season, with both teams vying for a spot in the final, set for April 26, 2025, in Seville.
Match Context and Historical Notes
The Copa del Rey is Spain’s oldest football competition, and this semi-final pits two of La Liga’s top teams against each other. Barcelona, with 31 titles, is the most successful club in the competition’s history, while Atlético Madrid, with 10 wins, ranks fourth, behind Athletic Bilbao (24) and Real Madrid (20). The draw for the semi-finals, made on February 12, 2025, paired these giants, with the first leg hosted by Barcelona (Copa del Rey draw details). This matchup is notable as it’s the first time since 2014 that Spain’s three big teams (Barcelona, Atlético, and Real Madrid) have reached the final four, with Real Sociedad also in the mix.
Barcelona enters this match seeking revenge after a heartbreaking 96th-minute loss to Atlético in their final game of 2024, where they dominated but conceded late to Alexander Sorloth. This history adds intensity, especially as Barcelona aims to maintain their position at the top of La Liga, currently leading on goal differential with 54 points, while Atlético is second, a point ahead.
Team News and Player Availability
Both teams face challenges with their squads. For Barcelona, key absences include goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen and midfielder Marc Bernal, both out injured. Additionally, Ansu Fati, Andreas Christensen, and Lamine Yamal are doubtful, with Yamal’s foot issue being a concern but expected to play ([Barca Blaugranes team news]news-match preview-lineups-score-prediction)). Despite these, Hansi Flick is likely to field a strong lineup, with Pedri, Dani Olmo, and Robert Lewandowski expected to start, leveraging their recent form, including a 2-0 win over Las Palmas.
Atlético Madrid has doubts over defender César Azpilicueta and midfielder Koke, but their attacking options remain robust, with Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann leading the line. Atlético’s recent form is impressive, losing only once in the last four months, which includes a 5-0 win over Getafe in the quarter-finals (Tips.GG analysis).
Tactical Setup and Possible Lineups
The tactical battle is anticipated to be fierce, with Barcelona likely opting for a 4-2-3-1 formation to control possession, while Atlético may deploy a 4-4-2 to counter-attack effectively. Possible lineups, based on recent previews, are as follows:
| Team | Formation | Possible Lineup |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 4-2-3-1 | Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsí, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski |
| Atlético Madrid | 4-4-2 | Musso; Llorente, Giménez, Le Normand, Galán; Simeone, De Paul, Barrios, Lino; Griezmann, Álvarez |
Barcelona’s strategy will likely focus on utilizing the creativity of Olmo and Raphinha, supported by Lewandowski’s goal-scoring prowess. Atlético, under Diego Simeone, will aim to disrupt Barcelona’s rhythm, relying on Griezmann’s experience and Álvarez’s pace.
Statistical Insights and Recent Form
Recent form statistics highlight Barcelona’s dominance, with an 86% win rate in their last seven matches, including a 5-0 thrashing of Valencia. Atlético, with a 57% win rate, has been solid, notably with a 5-0 win over Getafe. Key player stats include:
| Statistic | Barcelona | Atlético Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| Goals (Last 7) | 13 | 12 |
| Total Shots | 67 | 60 |
| Offsides | 8 | 7 |
| Interceptions | 29 | 30 |
| Total Fouls | 36 | 58 |
| Yellow Cards | 9 | 12 |
| Total Corners | 22 | 19 |
| Pass Accuracy (%) | 88.8% | 84.9% |
Key players for Barcelona include Robert Lewandowski (3 goals), Ferrán Torres (4 goals), and Raphinha (1 goal, 3 assists), while Atlético relies on Antoine Griezmann (1 goal, 1 assist) and Samuel Lino (2 goals) (Tips.GG stats).
Prediction and Expected Outcome
Analysts predict a 1-1 draw, suggesting a hard-fought knockout round game where both teams will likely take their chances to the second leg on April 2, 2025, at Metropolitano Stadium. This prediction accounts for Barcelona’s home advantage and Atlético’s resilience, with everything to be decided over 180 minutes ([Barca Blaugranes prediction]
Viewing and Additional Information
Fans can catch the match on various platforms. In Nigeria, it’s available on Startimes World Football, while in Spain, options include TVE La 1 and Movistar. Online, viewers in the USA can stream on ESPN+ (ESPN+), and in India, FanCode offers streaming. For a full list, check LiveSoccerTV.Tickets for the match can be purchased through the official FC Barcelona website (FC Barcelona tickets).
Historical Context and Motivation
The historical context adds depth, with Barcelona aiming to avenge their late loss in 2024, where they dominated but conceded in the 96th minute. This match is part of a two-legged affair, with the return leg on April 2, 2025, at Atlético’s home, promising a thrilling conclusion to the semi-final.
This comprehensive analysis ensures fans have all the details needed to follow this exciting Copa del Rey semi-final clash, highlighting the stakes and strategies for both teams.
