Tue Feb 25 19:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Atlético Madrid’s Álvarez Eyes Copa del Rey Glory Against Barcelona
**Barcelona, Spain** – Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez is poised to lead his team against FC Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals on February 25th, 2025. Álvarez, currently tied for the tournament’s top scorer with four goals, arrives in top form, having just matched his best-ever European season goal tally. His impressive 19 goals in 38 matches this season for Atlético marks a personal best since his move from River Plate.
Álvarez faces stiff competition for the Copa del Rey’s Pichichi trophy, including Barcelona’s Ferrán Torres, who also has four goals. Torres, a former Manchester City player like Álvarez, has had a similar trajectory in Europe, finding success after initially struggling for consistent playing time.
The match at Montjuïc Stadium holds significant importance for Atlético, who recently defeated Barcelona in La Liga at the same venue. The return leg will be played at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on April 2nd. A victory would propel Atlético into the Copa del Rey final for the first time in nearly 12 years.
Atlético manager Diego Simeone dismissed concerns about Barcelona’s potential absence of key players, stating his focus is on exploiting Atlético’s strengths. The match will be played at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville on April 26th, 2025.
Despite a minor injury suffered earlier, Álvarez is expected to start. The game marks a crucial stage in a demanding schedule for Atlético, who will face Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League the following week. A win would add another trophy to the club’s ambitions and showcase Álvarez’s continued rise as one of Europe’s most promising attackers.
First Piper 