Juan Musso will continue in goal for Atletico Madrid in their Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg against Barcelona, Diego Simeone has confirmed.
Musso has has been ever-present in the cup competition so far this season and gets the nod once again as first-choice goalkeeper Jan Oblak is rested.
“Juan [Musso] will definitely start in goal against Barcelona tomorrow,” Simeone announced in the pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
Simeone, however, has confirmed former Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is unavailable for selection.
The experienced defender had to be replaced at half-time against Valencia the weekend and has not recovered in time to face Barcelona. Though, he is not expected to be sidelined for too long.
As a result, there is an opening at left-back that could be filled by Javi Galan. Meanwhile, Clement Lenglet is pushing for a start against his former club.
"With Lenglet, we will see if he starts or not, Simeone told reporters. “Cesar had a great first half at the Mestalla. He won't be with us tomorrow, but we will see if he can make it for Sunday.”
We’re in good hands with Musso 🫡 pic.twitter.com/SOsuTJG4im
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) February 24, 2025
In away fixtures against Barcelona and Real Madrid this season, Simeone has resisted the temptation to switch to a back five system, instead sticking with a traditional 4-4-2 formation.
That could be a clue into his plans for Tuesday night’s cup tie with Samuel Lino lining up on the left-side of midfield to provide extra help when it comes to dealing with Lamine Yamal.
Giuliano Simeone is likely to continue on the right as Pablo Barrios returns from serving a La Liga suspension to partner Rodrigo de Paul in the engine room.
Up front, Julian Alvarez partners ex-Barcelona star Antoine Griezmann which is perhaps slightly harsh on Alexander Sorloth who scored a brace in the last round and netted the winner in injury-time against Barca in the La Liga meeting earlier in the season.
Predicted Atletico Madrid XI: Musso; Llorente, Gimenez, Lenglet, Galan; Simeone, Barrios, de Paul, Lino; Griezmann, Alvarez
Injured: Azpilicueta, Koke
Time and date: 8:30pm GMT on Tuesday, February 25
Venue: Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium
TV channel and live stream: Premier Sports
