Tue Apr 01 17:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Simeone Weighs Options for Atlético’s Copa del Rey Clash Against Barcelona

**Majadahonda, Spain** – Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone is carefully considering his starting eleven for the crucial Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Barcelona. Tuesday’s training session saw the Argentine coach experimenting with several lineup variations, focusing primarily on three positions: midfield and both full-back slots.

While the majority of the starting lineup seems set, with players like Juan Musso in goal, Clement Lenglet and José María Giménez in central defense, Marcos Llorente and Giuliano Simeone on the wings, Rodrigo de Paul in midfield, and Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann upfront, Simeone is still deciding on his midfield and full-backs.

The midfield battle is between Pablo Barrios, a regular starter this season, and Conor Gallagher, with the recently recovered Koke Resurrección likely starting on the bench. Simeone acknowledged the different strengths of each player, highlighting Barrios’ intensity and Koke’s superior playmaking ability.

At right-back, Nahuel Molina, who started on Monday, was replaced by César Azpilicueta on Tuesday, suggesting Azpilicueta may get the nod. The left-back position is equally uncertain, with Javi Galán, the usual starter, facing competition from Reinildo Mandava, who started the last match against Barcelona. Simeone confirmed all three players are in contention.

The only confirmed absentee for Atlético is Ángel Correa, serving a three-match suspension. Simeone will finalize his starting lineup on Wednesday before the crucial match against Barcelona.

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