Barcelona face a daunting task in the Copa del Rey semifinal second leg, as they attempt to overturn a 4-0 first-leg defeat against Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou. The match kicks off on Tuesday, 3 March, at 9 pm local time (20:00 GMT), with full pre-match coverage on Al Jazeera Sport from 17:30 GMT.
Atletico Dominates First Leg
Atletico Madrid dominated the first leg at the Metropolitano, scoring four first-half goals to leave Barcelona in crisis. The opening goal came in the sixth minute after Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia mishandled a back pass from Eric Garcia.
Ademola Lookman combined with Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann to score twice before the 35th minute, and Lookman and Alvarez completed the 4-0 rout just before half-time. Barcelona thought they had a goal in the 52nd minute through Pau Cubarsi, but it was ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR review.
Barcelona’s Recent Form
Despite the first-leg setback, Barcelona enter the second leg on the back of a 4-1 victory over Villarreal, where 18-year-old Lamine Yamal scored his first-career hat-trick, showcasing his immense potential. Coach Hansi Flick praised Yamal, saying, “He’s exceptional and here to make people happy. Opponents put two or three players on him, but today he enjoyed his football, and we’re very happy for him.”
Atletico’s Momentum
Atletico Madrid arrive in Barcelona following a hard-fought 1-0 win over Real Oviedo, with Julian Alvarez scoring the decisive goal. Coach Diego Simeone praised Alvarez as a “fantastic footballer” and key to Atletico’s ambitions. The Spanish giants have met 248 times in history, with Barcelona winning 113 matches, Atletico 78, and 57 ending as draws. Atletico’s last away win at Camp Nou came in December 2024, when Alexander Sorloth scored a late winner.
Team News: Barcelona
Barcelona face several absences, including Robert Lewandowski (fractured eye socket), Eric Garcia (suspended), Frenkie de Jong (hamstring), and Andreas Christensen (cruciate ligament). Raphinha, Pedri, and Marcus Rashford return to the squad for the second leg.
The expected lineup is Joan Garcia in goal, Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, and Balde in defense, Pedri and Olmo in midfield, and Yamal, Lopez, Raphinha, and Torres leading the attack, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Team News: Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid will be without Johnny Cardoso (hamstring) and Pablo Barrios (thigh). Their expected lineup features Musso in goal, Ruggeri, Hancko, Pubill, and Molina in defense, Simeone, Koke, Llorente, and Lookman in midfield, with Alvarez and Sorloth leading the attack.
Looking Ahead: Who Will Reach the Final?
Barcelona must overcome a four-goal deficit to reach the Copa del Rey final in Seville, where the winner of this tie will face Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao. Atletico will aim to protect their lead while exploiting Barcelona’s defensive weaknesses, promising an intense and high-stakes clash at Camp Nou.
