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Atletico Madrid v Barcelona – Line-ups, stats and preview

Atletico Madrid take on Barcelona on Thursday in the Copa del Rey. Read our in-depth preview here

Written by Mitch Fretton
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Atletico Madrid v Barcelona – Line-ups, stats and preview

Match Preview for Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona

Atletico Madrid host Barcelona on Thursday evening for the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie.

The sides meet at this stage of the competition for a second consecutive season, with Diego Simeone’s team seeking revenge after being eliminated by Barcelona in last year’s semi-finals.

Simeone’s side stormed to the final four this time around, producing one of their most complete performances of the campaign in a 5-0 demolition of Real Betis in the quarter-finals.

Barcelona arrive in Madrid in excellent form, having won each of their last six matches in all competitions, scoring at least twice in every one of those victories.

Hansi Flick’s side lead La Liga with 58 points from 23 matches, boasting the strongest attacking record in the division after scoring 63 goals and conceding just 23.

Team news for Atletico Madrid v Barcelona

Barcelona

Atletico Madrid could welcome Marc Pubill back into contention after he missed the weekend’s league fixture due to illness.

Nicolas Gonzalez remains a doubt with ongoing physical issues, while Johnny Cardoso is ruled out with a muscle injury.

Pablo Barrios is also unavailable after suffering a thigh problem during Atletico’s previous Copa del Rey outing.

Barcelona continue to manage several injury concerns, with Frenkie de Jong a doubt due to a groin issue.

Andreas Christensen remains sidelined with a long-term cruciate ligament injury, while Gavi continues his recovery from a meniscus problem.

Pedri is out with a hamstring injury, and Raphinha is also unavailable as he continues to recover from a thigh issue.

Marcos Rashford will also miss the match after struggling with a knee issue.

Giving an update on his team, Flick said: “We’ve had some problems. Rashford isn’t ready; he had a knock. It’s not good news, but I believe in my team. The situation isn’t easy.

“We’re playing against a fantastic team. I saw the cup match against Betis, and it was impressive. Cholo is doing a great job at Atletico. I really appreciate what I saw. It will be a tough match tomorrow.”

Expected line-ups for Atletico Madrid v Barcelona

Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Mendoza, Koke, Baena; Griezmann, Lookman

Barcelona: Garcia; Martin, Garcia, Araujo, Cancelo; Bernal, Olmo, Lopez; Rashford, Torres, Yamal

How to watch Atletico Madrid v Barcelona: TV channel, online stream

The first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona will kick off on Thursday evening, with an 8pm start time in the UK.

The game will be available to watch on ITV4 and streaming is accessible on ITVX.

The stats for Atletico Madrid v Barcelona

  • Atletico Madrid have reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals in consecutive seasons
  • Barcelona have won their last six matches in all competitions
  • The Catalan side have scored at least twice in six straight games
  • Barcelona have won the last three meetings between the two teams
  • Atletico Madrid were eliminated by Barcelona at this stage last season

Prediction

Atletico Madrid

1 – 2

Barcelona

Atletico Madrid are strong at home and will be motivated by last season’s elimination, but Barcelona’s current form gives them a clear edge.

The Blaugrana look well placed to take control of the tie in the first leg.https://x.com/FCBarcelona/status/2021551322353299928

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