Barcelona and Atletico Madrid shared eight goals at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in a Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg thriller. Both sides let a two-goal lead slip which will concern Hansi Flick and Diego Simeone, but for the neutral, it has made the return meeting in April all the more intriguing.
The visitors enjoyed the perfect start to the cup tie as Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann were both on the scoresheet inside the opening six minutes before Barca woke up and produced a devastating 20 minute spell in which Pedri, Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez netted to ensure Flick’s side went in at half-time ahead.
Substitute Robert Lewandowski appeared to have wrapped the game up for Barcelona when he scored but Atletico fought back thanks to Marcos Llorente and another stoppage-time goal from Alexander Sorloth to ensure the semi-final first-leg finished 4-4. Read back the game below with our dedicated match blog!
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid latest news
- GOAL! Sorloth completes fightback
- GOAL! Llorente powers home effort
- GOAL! Lewandowski adds a fourth
- GOAL! Martinez puts Barca ahead
- GOAL! Cubarsi completes the comeback
- GOAL! Pedri pulls one back
- GOAL! Griezmann haunts his former club
- GOAL! Alvarez breaks deadlock after 50 seconds
Lamine Yamal magic
23:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLamine Yamal is a special talent...
"Magic from Lamine Yamal!" 🎙️
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) February 25, 2025
The Barça star leaves Robert Lewandowski with an easy finish after great wing play 🌟 pic.twitter.com/shT0rZLlUH
Sorloth reaction
23:22 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTwo stoppage-time goals against Barcelona in the same season for Alexander Sorloth.
Here is what he’s had to say about his involvement in a thrilling conclusion to the Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg...
"I think this is the fourth or fifth game I’ve scored against Barcelona here in Barcelona. ... Even when I woke up this morning, I just knew I was gonna score."
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 25, 2025
Alexander Sørloth loves playing Barca 😂 pic.twitter.com/3GzF6mRXOJ
The goal that started it
23:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneJust 46 seconds were on the clock when Julian Alvarez broke the deadlock.
Feels like such a long time ago...
Julián Alvarez after 46 seconds 🤯
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) February 25, 2025
The Argentinian wastes no time in opening the scoring in this Semi-Final matchup 🔥 pic.twitter.com/SPolBW2HUY
Barcelona 4-4 Atletico Madrid
23:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBarcelona and Atletico Madrid played out a classic in their Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg.
Atletico, who beat Barcelona in the La Liga meeting earlier in the season, enjoyed a dream start at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
Having gone close to breaking the deadlock inside the first few seconds, Julian Alvarez netted his fifth goal of the competition as he got to Clement Lenglet’s flick-on from a cross into the box to steer the ball past Wojciech Szczesny.
Then a few minutes later, Antoine Griezmann came back to haunt his former club by doubling Atletico’s lead.
Read the full report right here!
Barcelona 4-4 Atletico Madrid
22:32 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe full-time whistle has just gone and what a game of football that was!
Atletico Madrid were 2-0 up after six minutes but Barcelona fought back to lead 3-2 at the break and then increased their lead with around 15 minutes to go.
However, goals from Marcos Llorente and Alexander Sorloth ensured Atletico completed an incredible comeback.
That was only the first-leg!
Barcelona 4-4 Atletico Madrid
22:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAnd breathe...
GOAL! Barcelona 4-4 Atletico Madrid | Alexander Sorloth '90
22:28 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+3 min: GOALLLLLLL
Incredible fightback from Atletico Madrid, Sorloth with another stoppage-time goal against Barcelona.
Barcelona 4-3 Atletico Madrid
22:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+1 min: Brief delay in the game as a couple of pitch invaders are dealt with.
Barcelona 4-3 Atletico Madrid
22:22 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne87 min: Yellow card for Barrios for a challenge on Balde.
Correa is then put clean through but shoots straight at Szczesny.
Barca looking rather vulnerable even with the defensive change of Garcia replacing Raphinha.
GOAL! Barcelona 4-3 Atletico Madrid | Marcos Llorente '84
22:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne84 min: GOALLLL
Marcos Llorente strikes the ball hard and finds the back of the net after being picked out by Correa.
This could be a vital goal in context of the tie.
Barcelona 4-2 Atletico Madrid
22:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne82 min: A training ground routine from the free-kick but Raphinha’s effort is blocked which makes the save a lot more easier for Musso.
Barcelona 4-2 Atletico Madrid
22:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne81 min: Booking for Gimenez as he brings down Gavi.
Free-kick to Barcelona in a dangerous position...
GOAL! Barcelona 4-2 Atletico Madrid | Robert Lewandowski '74
22:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne74 min: GOALLLL
Th perfect substitution! Minutes after replacing Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski adds a fourth for Barcelona with a simple tap-in.
Lamine Yamal was the provider as he turned Reinildo inside out before laying the ball on a plate for Lewandowski.
Barcelona 3-2 Atletico Madrid
22:06 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne71 min: GOAL DISALLOWED
Sorloth thinks he has equalised but the offside flag cuts his celebrations short.
It wasn’t the striker who was in an offside position as Llorente didn’t time his run before squaring the ball.
Barcelona 3-2 Atletico Madrid
22:03 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne69 min: Diego Simeone is booked for his complaints.
Not sure what he took issue with, but it’s enough to earn the Atletico boss a yellow card.
Barcelona 3-2 Atletico Madrid
22:01 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne67 min: Intricate stuff from Barcelona, Pedri at the heart of it, ball is played across the face of Atletico’s goal but nobody is there to take advantage.
Heart in mouth moment for Szczesny but he gets out of a trick situation with a nice piece of skill.
Two more changes for Atletico as Sorloth and Correa replace de Paul and Griezmann.
Barca also make changes, Lewandowski and Gavi replace Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo.
Barcelona 3-2 Atletico Madrid
21:58 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne63 min: Atletico look like they’re in but de Paul takes a loose first touch which allows Balde to get back and win a goal-kick as the Argentine is adjudged to have touched the ball last.
Safe to say the midfielder did not agree with that decision!
Barcelona 3-2 Atletico Madrid
21:53 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne59 min: Another change for Atletico as Gallagher is replaced by Molina.
Barcelona 3-2 Atletico Madrid
21:51 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne56 min: Yamal pops up on he left this time, weaves past a couple of players before going down in he box.
He appeals for a penalty but nothing is given. Doesn’t seem VAR are getting involved either.
Barcelona 3-2 Atletico Madrid
21:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne55 min: Atletico Madrid make a double change.
Reinildo and Lino replace Javi Galan and Simeone.
Tough night for Javi Galan, he really struggled against Lamine Yamal. But let’s be honest, who wouldn’t with the youngster in such good form?
Barcelona 3-2 Atletico Madrid
21:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne51 min: Barcelona are living dangerously. Their high line is exposed again as de Paul finds Griezmann who is denied by Szczesny.
Gallagher and Alvarez get in each other’s way with the rebound and the former is crowded out.
Barcelona 3-2 Atletico Madrid
21:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne49 min: Simeone bursts behind the Barcelona back line with a run from deep but can’t find the net.
Alvarez recovers the ball, drives into the box and cuts the ball back but Balde makes a timely clearance.
From the resulting corner, Szczesny commands the box and claims the ball.
Barcelona 3-2 Atletico Madrid
21:38 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBack underway at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys
Martinez goal
21:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is the goal that has put Barcelona ahead...
Iñigo Martínez makes it 3-2!!! 😱
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) February 25, 2025
It's only the first half and Barcelona have already came back from being 2-0 down 🔥 pic.twitter.com/tgnMfgg9jD
Barcelona 3-2 Atletico Madrid
21:21 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHALF-TIME!
A truly remarkable half of football. Atletico Madrid raced into a two-goal lead after just six minutes, but Barcelona woke up and have scored three times without reply.
Barcelona 3-2 Atletico Madrid
21:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45+3 min: Wouldn’t be a surprise if Javi Galan is taken off at half-time, he is struggling to contain Lamine Yamal as the youngster cuts inside and forces a save from Musso.
Barcelona 3-2 Atletico Madrid
21:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45 min: Five additional minutes have been signalled.
No complaints here!
Barcelona 3-2 Atletico Madrid
21:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne44 min: Chance for Balde but he rifles the ball over the bar.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-2 Atletico Madrid | Inigo Martinez '41
21:13 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne41 min: GOALLLL
Raphinha whips in a brilliant delivery from a corner, Inigo Martinez wants the ball more and he gets to it first and heads home.
From 2-0 down after six minutes to 3-2 up going into the break.
Barcelona 2-2 Atletico Madrid
21:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne39 min: Szczesny sweeps up well as Atletico attempt to exploit Barcelona’s high line. Offside flag goes up anyway, so it’s all academic.
Barcelona 2-2 Atletico Madrid
21:08 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne37 min: This high defensive line is so risky from Barcelona, but the reward is they really push the opposition back.
Barcelona 2-2 Atletico Madrid
21:06 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne35 min: Since scoring their second after six minutes, Atletico Madrid haven’t threatened the Barcelona goal.
They are very much under the cosh at the moment and it will take a huge effort to get to the break on level terms.
Barcelona 2-2 Atletico Madrid
21:03 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne31 min: The ball just won’t go in for Ferran Torres!
Once again, he is played clean through on goal and he gets to the ball before Musso, rounds the keeper but sees his effort cleared away.
If he had his shooting boots on him, Barcelona would be two goals up!
Barcelona 2-2 Atletico Madrid
21:02 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne30 min: Aggressive pressing from Barcelona to win the ball back, Lamine Yamal then tries to make space for a shot but his crowded out and eventually overhits a pass to Raphinha.
Barcelona 2-2 Atletico Madrid
20:58 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne26 min: Did Szczesny step out of his area to claim the ball there? Looked very tight but we play on.
Barcelona 2-2 Atletico Madrid
20:56 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne24 min: Goals really do change games!
Around five minutes ago, the Barcelona supporters were rather quiet but they are making all the noise now!
GOAL! Barcelona 2-2 Atletico Madrid | Pau Cubarsi '20
20:52 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne20 min: WHAT A GAME!
Cubarsi is too strong for Barrios at the back post and he heads home to bring Barcelona level.
Two goals in the space of a minute!
GOAL! Barcelona 1-2 Atletico Madrid | Pedri '19
20:51 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne19 min: GAME ON, TIE ON!
Lovely play from Barcelona down the right as Yamal plays in Kounde who cuts the ball back for Pedri who sidefoots the ball home.
Barcelona 0-2 Atletico Madrid
20:48 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne16 min: First booking of the game goes to Javi Galan for a foul on Lamine Yamal.
That is a long time to be on a yellow card.
Musso then concedes a corner for coming to claim a ball that was going out of play. Bonus chance for Barcelona.
Barcelona 0-2 Atletico Madrid
20:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne15 min: Barcelona have settled into the game following an awful start, the one positive is they have the rest of tonight and the second leg at the beginning of April to get back into this.
For Atletico Madrid, they can probably sit and protect this lead.
Barcelona 0-2 Atletico Madrid
20:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne11 min: CHANCE
Lovely flick from Raphinha to put Ferran Torres clean through, he takes his shot early but produces a tame effort which Musso gathers in at the second attempt.
That was an effort that lacked any confidence, which is a surprise given the Spaniard’s recent form.
Barcelona 0-2 Atletico Madrid
20:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne10 min: With Barcelona playing such a high line, you get the feeling Atletico Madrid will get more chances to score as Hansi Flick’s side push for a route back into the game.
Lamine Yamal cuts inside and strikes at goal but Musso watches the ball sail harmlessly wide.
GOAL! Barcelona 0-2 Atletico Madrid | Antoine Griezmann '6
20:38 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne6 min: GOALLLLL
Atletico Madrid are in dreamland, they exploit Barcelona’s high line as Alvarez sweeps the ball out to Griezmann who holds off Balde’s challenge and squeezes an effort past Szczesny.
GOAL! Barcelona 0-1 Atletico Madrid | Julian Alvarez '1
20:34 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne1 min: GOALLLL
Excellent start from the visitors as Julian Alvarez, who tested Szczesny in the first few second, peels away to the back post and steers the ball home following a well worked corner routine.
KICK-OFF!
20:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWe are underway in this Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg!
Here we go!
20:27 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneRight, the two teams have emerged from the tunnel.
Kick-off is fast approaching!
Ferran vs Julian
20:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTwo former Manchester City strikers lead the goalscoring charts in the Copa del Rey this season.
Ferran Torres and Julian Alvarez are both on four, and they both start tonight.
With four goals each to their names, Ferran Torres and Julián Alvarez are currently tied in the Copa del Rey scoring charts 🤝
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) February 25, 2025
However, that could change tonight as the pair meet in a massive Semi-Final first leg tie between Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid 👀 pic.twitter.com/3TBE7GBFxx
Not long now!
20:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLess than 15 minutes to go until kick-off at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys!
New champion will be crowned
20:11 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHolders Athletic Club have already been eliminated from this season’s competition which means there will be a new champion crowned.
Will it be one of Spain’s big three; Real Madrid, Barcelona or Atletico Madrid?
Or will Real Sociedad cause an upset?
Hansi Flick wants respect for officials
20:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBarcelona manager Hansi Flick has urged his players to avoid disrespectful behaviour towards match officials following Jude Bellingham’s red card for Real Madrid against Osasuna.
Flick, speaking recently, said he had reminded his squad of the importance of avoiding confrontations with match officials.
"It's disrespect. For me, it's like that. But I don't have to decide (the punishments)," he told a press conference.
Read his full quotes right here!
Last time out
20:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAlexander Sorloth, on the bench tonight, was the hero for Atletico Madrid back in December as his injury-time goal sealed all three points for Diego Simeone’s side in the La Liga meeting.
Las pasadas Navidades, Papá Noel solo fue nuestro segundo nórdico preferido. pic.twitter.com/L2DqTRlh2M
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) February 25, 2025
Pitch inspection
19:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Barcelona players make their way outside for a quick pitch inspection.
A little rain at the moment, but no danger of the game being called off.
Pitch Inspection and Weather Report#BarçaAtleti pic.twitter.com/nS0FzPJjYt
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 25, 2025
Atletico's route
19:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneOn paper, it looks like Atletico Madrid's run to the semi-final has been plain sailing. It's been everything but as they needed two very late goals from Julian Alvarez to overcome UE Vic in the first round. It was a similar story against CP Cacereno in the second round as the La Liga side came from behind.
It was somewhat of a routine win over Marbella in the round of 32, whilst Diego Simeone's side have stepped it up in the last two rounds with comfortable win over Elche and Getafe.
UE Vic 0-2 Atletico Madrid
CP Cacereno 1-3 Atletico Madrid
Marbella 0-1 Atletico Madrid
Elche 0-4 Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid 5-0 Getafe
Barcelona's route
19:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBarca entered the competition at the round of 32 stage and made light work of Barbastro. That has since been followed up with two comfortable wins over Real Betis and Valencia at the round of 16 and quarter-final stage respectively.
Barbastro 0-4 Barcelona
Barcelona 5-1 Real Betis
Valencia 0-5 Barcelona
Atletico Madrid changes
19:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneDiego Simeone has rung the changes for tonight’s semi-final first-leg.
As expected, Juan Musso gets a rare runout in between the posts. Jose Gimenez, Javi Galan, Conor Gallagher and Pablo Barrios all return.
This means Jan Oblak, Nahuel Molina, Robin Le Normand, Cesar Azpilicueta and Samuel Lino drop out.
Barcelona changes
19:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThree changes to the Barcelona side that started the 2-0 win over Las Palmas at the weekend.
Inigo Martinez comes into the defence as Ronald Araujo drops to the bench, Frenkie De Jong replaces Marc Casado in midfield and Ferran Torres starts ahead of Robert Lewandowski in attack.
The big news for Barcelona is that Lamine Yamal is fit enough to start.
Torres chance
19:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBig chance for Ferran Torres tonight as he leads the line for Barcelona.
Ferran is in form 🦈 pic.twitter.com/krcrSfKYva
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 25, 2025
Barcelona XI in full
19:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBarcelona XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Ferran
Substitutes: Araujo, Gavi, Lewandowski, Pena, Fermin, Casado, Pau Victor, Eric, Kochen, Fort, Gerard Martin
Atletico Madrid XI in full
19:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAtletico Madrid XI: Musso, Llorente, Gimenez, Lenglet, Javi Galan, Gallagher, Barrios, De Paul, Giuliano, Griezmann, Julian Alvarez.
Substitutes: Oblak, Gomis, Molina, Witsel, Reinildo, Le Normand, Lemar, Lino, Riquelme, Sorloth, Correa.
Barcelona lineup announced
19:17 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLining up for the home side tonight...
🚨 BARÇA XI 🚨#BarçaAtleti pic.twitter.com/MeFqxycPES
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 25, 2025
Atletico Madrid XI
19:16 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThis is how the visitors will line up tonight...
Estos son los 𝟭𝟭 𝗷𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀 que nos representarán de inicio a esta noche. pic.twitter.com/vgNfoDQgtu
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) February 25, 2025
Barcelona arrive!
19:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe hosts are in the house!
Keep calm and conquer 👑🏆 #BarçaAtleti pic.twitter.com/x9NxwdoDcf
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 25, 2025
Champions League draw
19:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBoth Barcelona and Atletico Madrid discovered their fates in the Champions League round of 16 when the draw was made last week.
Barca will face Benfica over two legs, whilst Atletico have been handed a tie against rivals, and current holders, Real Madrid.
With the way the brackets are set up, an all-Spanish Champions League final is on the cards.
Setting the scene
19:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe calm before the storm at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys with less than 90 minutes until kick-off!
📍 Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys#BarçaAtleti pic.twitter.com/39W66us4j7
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 25, 2025
Atletico include former Barca stars in squad
19:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneFormer Barcelona duo Clement Lenglet and Antoine Griezmann have both been included in the Atletico Madrid matchday squad for tonight’s Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg.
🩶🩶🩶 pic.twitter.com/PJUgHNVuwS
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) February 25, 2025
Lamine Yamal latest
18:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIt looks like Lamine Yamal is in Barcelona’s matchday squad!
A video clip of the home side’s dressing room being prepared ahead of kick-off has been shared on social media and the youngster’s kit can be spotted.
🟦🟥 Earn Your Stripes #BarçaAtleti pic.twitter.com/k7iyHcrKpD
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 25, 2025
Predicted Atletico Madrid XI
18:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGiuliano Simeone is likely to continue on the right hand side of a four-man midfield 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
Predicted Barcelona XI
18:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHansi Flick does have plenty of midfield options at his disposal and could opt to hand a start to Frenkie De Jong alongside Pedri in a double pivot with Dani Olmo operating in the number 10 position.
Assuming Lamine Yamal is fine to play, he is likely to keep his place on the right with Raphinha on the opposite flank as Robert Lewandowski leads the line despite Ferran Torres scoring a hat-trick in the last round against former club Valencia.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Simeone reveals the gameplan
18:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneDiego Simeone knows patience is the key to Atletico Madrid securing a positive result tonight.
"When you face big teams you know you have to be prepared to endure. There will be good moments, we know how it happened against Real Madrid, where there were moments when they were better than us," he told reporters yesterday.
"We know that there will be different moments of games and hopefully there will be more good ones for us."
Hansi Flick message
18:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHansi Flick hopes his Barcelona side have learned their lession from the 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid earlier in the season.
Barca dominated large spells of the La Liga fixture back in December but had no points to show for their efforts as the visitors netted a last minute winner.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference yesterday, Flick said: "What we learnt is that we can play great football, at the top level but if we have chances we have to take them."
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid latest match odds
18:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBarcelona to win: 8/15
Draw: 12/5
Atletico Madrid to win: 7/2
Odds via Betfair (subject to change)
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid: Head to head (h2h) history and results
18:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBarcelona wins: 36
Draws: 17
Atletico Madrid wins: 19
Atletico Madrid won the league meeting at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys a couple of months ago which ended a run of five successive defeats against Barcelona.
Standard Sport prediction
18:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBarcelona are on a roll at the moment. Unbeaten across all competitions in 2025, have won their last five in a row and are scoring goals for fun.
However, the last side to inflict defeat on Barca was Atletico Madrid back in December during their La Liga meeting.
It promises to be a tight affair tonight. Barca being at home gives them the slight advantage but Atletico will ensure they are still very much in the tie for the second leg.
Barcelona to win 2-1
Atletico Madrid team news
18:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAtletico Madrid will keep faith with second-choice Juan Musso for tonight’s Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg against Barcelona.
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.
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.
Barcelona team news
18:11 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBarcelona are sweating over the fitness of Lamine Yamal ahead of tonight’s Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg against Atletico Madrid.
Yamal was unable to train with his Barcelona team-mates on Monday ahead of the game, presumably still feeling the effects of Saturday’s 2-0 La Liga win over Las Palmas.
The Spain international posted an image of his bloodied sock to social media following the hard-fought victory and it remains to be seen if he will be available to feature against Diego Simeone’s side.
How to watch Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid
18:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTV channel: In the UK, the game will be broadcast on Premier Sports 2. Coverage starts at 8.25pm GMT ahead of an 8.30pm kick-off.
Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Premier Sports website or the Premier Sports Player app.
Live blog: You can follow all the action with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog!
Welcome
17:59 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid!
It's a huge night in Spain as the two giants meet in the first-leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final.
We’ll have all the build-up to kick-off which is at 8.30pm GMT from the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys!
