Tue Feb 25 20:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Barcelona Favored in Tense Copa del Rey Semi-Final Clash Against Atletico Madrid

**Barcelona, Spain** – FC Barcelona will face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals on Tuesday, with a crucial clash set to ignite the Spanish football scene. Barcelona, riding a five-game winning streak across all competitions, are slight favorites heading into the match at Camp Nou. However, Atletico, fresh off a La Liga victory over Valencia, are expected to put up a strong fight.

Despite a recent injury scare, Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is anticipated to start, bolstering a lineup that could also include Dani Olmo, Frenkie de Jong, Inigo Martinez, and Ronald Araujo. Atletico manager Diego Simeone is likely to field his strongest XI, with goalkeeper Juan Musso expected to feature.

While a close match is anticipated, pre-match predictions favor a 2-1 victory for Barcelona. The second leg will be played in Madrid on April 2nd. The winner of this semi-final tie will advance to the Copa del Rey final.

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