Match preview for Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona

Atlético Madrid the host Barcelona for their first leg on Thursday evening King’s Cup Semifinal tie.

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

Simeone’s side reached the last four this time, producing one of their most complete performances of the campaign to beat Real Betis 5–0 in the quarter-finals.

Barcelona have been in great form in Madrid, winning each of their last six matches in all competitions, and scoring at least twice in each of those wins.

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

Team news for Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona

Atletico Madrid could welcome Marc Pubil back into contention after missing the weekend’s league matches through illness.

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

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

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

Andreas Christensen is 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 Rafinha is also unavailable as he continues to recover from a thigh problem.

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

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

“We are playing against a fantastic team. I watched 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 vs Barcelona

Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Blood, Public, Hanko and Ruger; Simon, Mendoa, Coque, Baena; Griezmann, Lookman

Barcelona: Garcia; Martin, Garcia, Araujo, cancel; Bernal, Olm, Wolff; Rashford, Towers, Yamal

How to Watch Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona: TV Channel, Stream Online

The first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona kicks off on Thursday evening, kicking off at 8pm in the UK.

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

Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Stats

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

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