Atletico Madrid lose key player for Copa del Rey semi-final first leg vs Barcelona | OneFootball

The 2025/26 Copa del Rey semi-final draw was held earlier today and threw up two very interesting fixtures as FC Barcelona face off against Atletico Madrid, while Athletic Club and Real Sociedad lock horns in the Basque derby.

The first leg of the semi-final will be played on Thursday, 12 February, at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The second leg will take place on Tuesday, 3 March, at the Spotify Camp Nou, where the finalist will be confirmed.

No Pablo Barrios for Atletico Madrid

Barcelona will go into the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final next week without the services of key midfielder Pedri.

Now, according to SPORT, Atletico Madrid will also be without an important player for the heavyweight clash as Pablo Barrios has been ruled out.

The Rojiblacos confirmed earlier today that the midfielder had picked up a muscle injury to his right thigh.

“Pablo Barrios is suffering from a muscle injury to his right thigh, diagnosed by the club’s medical staff following tests carried out on the midfielder, who was forced to leave Thursday’s match against Real Betis midway through the second half.

“The number 8 will undergo physiotherapy treatment and rehabilitation work in the gym, and the evolution of the injury will determine his return to competition,” Atleti’s statement read.

As a result, Barrios, a crucial player in the midfield for Diego Simeone’s side, is expected to be out for close to a month. He will certainly miss the first leg of the semi-final in Madrid.

While he is not completely ruled out of the return match at the Spotify Camp Nou, he would arrive short of match fitness and with little time to regain competitive sharpness.