Barcelona trip to Atletico Madrid for the second leg of the Copa del Rey Semi-Final with the draw subtly ready at 4-4.
The match follows the eight-goal thriller from last night between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad in the other semi-final, which after extra time saw 5-4 with 5-4 with 5-4.
In the collision of the first legs at the end of February, Atletico raced in a lead of two goals thanks to Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann.
Goals from Pedri and Pau Cubarsi, however, brought the scores before Inigo Martinez Barca led to take the break.
Robert Lewandowski then placed Hansi Flick’s side in an impressive position with 15 minutes to go, but late goals from Marcos Llorente and Alexander Sorloth brought things right.
It is the stage for what promises to be a fascinating meeting between two of the top sides of La Liga. Barcelona has to lose another game in 2025, while the shape of Atletico has lately stuttered.
Here is how the teams are on the line-up for this crunch game in the Spanish capital.
Atletico Team News
For the hosts, goalkeeper Juan Musso holds his place in the Copa del Rey for the first choice Jan Oblak. In the meantime, the long -term captain Koke is fit again after an injury that has kept him outside since mid -February, but he has to settle for a place on the couch.
Defender Cesar Azpilicueta, another veteran, scored a sublime volley on his return from an enchantment to the sidelines. The former Chelsea player starts in defense next to Reinildo, Jose Gimenez and Robin Le Normand.
🚨 Start XI versus FC Barcelona 🚨 pic.twitter.com/dmg6qflfit
– Atlético de Madrid (@Atletienglish) April 2, 2025
Barcelona Team News
The big news for the visitors is the return from Raphinha to the starting line-up after the most recent international break.
The Brazilian was absent for Barcelona’s victory over Osasuna and was an unused sub against Girona at the weekend, but his return will be an important boost for the men of Flick.
The attacker joins a formidable Barca front line from Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal, with Robert Lewandowski a threat from the bank.
🚨 Barça XI 🚨#Atletaric pic.twitter.com/Gjofwono4G
– FC Barcelona (@fcbarcelona) April 2, 2025
