In numbers: Barcelona forward’s strong record against Atletico Madrid sparks optimism | OneFootball

Barcelona head into the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid with confidence, and one of the players expected to play a key role is Ferran Torres. 

The Spanish forward has become one of the most important figures in Hansi Flick’s attack this season, and the numbers back it up.

Ferran is currently Barcelona’s top scorer with 16 goals across all competitions. His tally includes 12 goals in La Liga, one in the Copa del Rey, six in the Champions League, and two in the Spanish Super Cup.

The forward also arrives at this match fresh and well-rested. This is because Flick chose to manage his minutes in the recent La Liga clash against Mallorca, where Ferran only entered the game in the 77th minute. 

He was also used as a substitute in the cup tie against Albacete, playing just 24 minutes. 

All signs now point to him returning to the starting lineup for the first leg of the semi-final at the Metropolitano.

Strong record against Atletico Madrid

Flick is said to have full faith in the 25-year-old’s ability to make a difference, and that belief is strengthened by the forward’s impressive record against Atletico.

Ferran Torres has a strong record vs Atletico. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

In fact, they are the second-most frequent victims of his goals, with only Real Betis conceding more to the Spaniard. 

He has scored five times in 11 appearances against the Madrid side, which is a strong return considering the defensive reputation of Simeone’s teams.

His overall record against Atletico is also positive. In those 11 matches, he has recorded seven wins and one draw, losing only once. 

Among those goals was a crucial strike in last season’s Copa del Rey semi-final second leg, where he scored the only goal of the match to send Barcelona through. 

The first leg of that tie had ended in a dramatic 4-4 draw. Barcelona went on to win the final and lift the Copa del Rey. 

Now, with another semi-final against Atletico on the horizon, the club will be hoping that Ferran can once again deliver on a stage where he has already made an impact.