Tue Feb 25 11:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Barcelona and Atlético Madrid to Clash in Copa del Rey Semifinal Showdown
**Madrid, Spain** – The Copa del Rey semifinals are set to ignite, featuring a captivating clash between giants FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid. The first leg takes place this Tuesday at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona.
Defending champions Athletic Club were eliminated in the Round of 16, leaving four teams vying for the trophy on April 26th at Seville’s Estadio La Cartuja. This year’s semifinal will be a two-legged affair, with no away goals rule in effect; any aggregate tie will be resolved by extra time and, if necessary, penalties in the second leg.
Barcelona, boasting a record 31 Copa del Rey titles, will face a formidable Atlético Madrid side (10 titles). Both teams are in strong form. Barcelona’s potent attack, spearheaded by Ferran Torres (4 goals) and potentially Lamine Yamal (2 goals, but currently injured), will test Atlético’s robust defense orchestrated by Diego Simeone (“Cholo”). However, Atlético’s dangerous counter-attacks, fueled by Julián Álvarez (4 goals, 1 assist) and the impressive goalkeeping of Juan Musso (who has kept four clean sheets in five matches), pose a significant threat. Their recent La Liga victory over Barcelona (2-1) serves as a stark reminder of Atlético’s capabilities.
The second leg will be played at the Venue Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid on April 2nd.
The other semifinal pits Real Sociedad against Real Madrid on Wednesday at the Reale Arena. Real Madrid, with 20 Copa del Rey titles, are favorites, especially with Kylian Mbappé’s recent prolific form (14 goals in 14 matches across three competitions). Real Sociedad will be looking to leverage the attacking prowess of Ander Barrenetxea and Brais Méndez (3 goals each). The second leg will be held at the Santiago Bernabéu on April 1st. The matches will be broadcast in the US on ESPN+.
First Piper 