Barcelona faces a significant challenge this week as they attempt to recover from a four-goal deficit against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
Atletico Madrid won the first leg decisively at the Metropolitano, putting them in a strong position to advance to the final, where they will meet either Real Sociedad or Athletic Club.
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Tuesday, 3rd March
- Kick-off: 8pm BST
- Venue: Camp Nou
- Last Meeting: Atletico Madrid 4-0 Barcelona, Copa del Rey, 12th February
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona will be missing striker Robert Lewandowski, who has a fractured eye socket from the recent match against Villarreal. He will not play against Atletico.
Centre-back Eric Garcia is also out due to suspension after his red card in the first leg.
Frenkie de Jong is still nursing a leg injury, while Andreas Christensen is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury. Gavi is back in training but will not be risked for this match.
In Lewandowski’s absence, Ferran Torres is likely to be the starting forward.
Atletico Madrid Team News
Atletico arrives with a solid advantage but has key midfield injuries of their own.
Johnny Cardoso is out with a hamstring injury, and Pablo Barrios is still sidelined with a thigh injury.
Despite these challenges, Atletico’s attack remains strong, with Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth expected to lead the front line after their strong performance in the first leg.
Ademola Lookman, Koke, and Marcos Llorente are likely to start in midfield and wide positions.
The defensive lineup is expected to remain unchanged, with Matteo Ruggeri, David Hancko, Marc Pubill, and Nahuel Molina in front of goalkeeper Juan Musso.
Form
Barcelona
Barcelona comes into this match leading La Liga and fresh off a 4-1 victory over Villarreal, where Yamal scored his first senior hat-trick. However, their 4-0 defeat to Atletico marked their worst domestic loss of the season.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico followed their first-leg win over Barcelona with a 1-0 win against Real Oviedo, with Julian Alvarez scoring the late goal. Their Copa del Rey performance this season has been impressive, winning every match to establish their 4-0 aggregate lead.
Predicted Lineups
Barcelona: Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; Pedri, Olmo; Yamal, Lopez, Raphinha; Torres.
Atletico Madrid: Musso; Ruggeri, Hancko, Pubill, Molina; Simeone, Koke, Llorente, Lookman; Alvarez, Sorloth.
How to Watch Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match live on Premier Sports.
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