Atletico Madrid vs FC Barcelona: Match preview | Copa del Rey | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have arrived in Madrid ahead of the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie against Atletico Madrid. With a place in the final at stake, this promises to be a fiercely contested encounter between two of Spain’s strongest sides.

Diego Simeone will approach this match with his usual intensity and attention to detail, while Hansi Flick’s team will aim to match that commitment and impose their own style on the game. Despite some key players being absent for the Catalans, on paper and in terms of form, this fixture has all the ingredients of a compelling cup clash.

Atletico Madrid vs FC Barcelona: Match details

Match overview:

There is little doubt that FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are the two strongest teams left in the competition. Both have navigated their respective paths to the semi-finals with authority and now face each other for a place in the final.

Even so, this is far from straightforward for either side. Atletico Madrid will rely on home advantage, with the Riyadh Air Metropolitano expected to provide a hostile atmosphere for the visitors. Barcelona, however, travel to the capital in excellent form and with growing confidence under Flick.

Over the course of the last five games, Hansi Flick’s team has managed to win all five games. In fact, they have just one loss over the course of their last 18 games, and that kind of positive record showcases a great combination of quality and consistency.

With 15 goals scored in their last five games, and only three goals conceded, Barça are currently operating with a very positive goal difference that prioritises both their offensive and defensive duties simultaneously. That is exactly what Flick wants, and his team is now effectively managing those expectations.

As for Atletico Madrid, the home side is not exactly flying right now. Over the course of their last five games, the Madrid-based side has just two wins. The other results have been two losses and a draw, hardly a positive run of games for Diego Simeone’s team.

However, this team is not an opponent to take lightly, irrespective of form. They are known for their resilience and will to win no matter what it takes, and Hansi Flick’s team is already well aware of that fact.

For that reason, concentration and awareness will be crucial in this game. Whichever team does well to manage expectations and deliver in the right moments, that side will ultimately end up leaving this first leg happy with themselves.