Barca vs Atletico: everything you need to know + a tip

Tonight at 21:30, two of the giants of Spanish soccer, FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid, will face each other in the first match of the semifinals of the Copa del Rey at the Olympic Stadium Lluís Companys, commonly known as Montjuïc. This match is not only of great importance to reach the final, but also has a special significance due to the traditional rivalry between the two teams.

Absent and doubtful players

Ahead of the match, both teams will face absentees and uncertainties for key players. FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is a doubt, as the young talent suffered a left foot injury in the match against Las Palmas following a kick and missed Monday’s training session. However, head coach Hansi Flick is confident that Yamal will be able to play: “We are positive about Lamine’s condition and confident that he will be able to play against Atletico.”

If Yamal cannot play, it is likely that Raphinha will start on the left or that Ferran Torres, who scored against Las Palmas in the last game, will be given a chance. Another option is Dani Olmo, who has recently returned from injury and is ready to play all 90 minutes.

For Atletico Madrid, coach Diego Simeone also faces several question marks. Juan Musso’s replacement is expected to get a chance in goal, having defended in the Cup series so far. There could also be changes in defense and midfield, but no concrete names have been announced yet.

Recent matches and form

Barcelona’s last game was a 2-0 win against Las Palmas, although the play was not impressive. After the game, Hansi Flick stressed that the team needs to improve its positional play: “It’s important to take our chances, especially against a strong opponent like Atletico.”

Atlético de Madrid has also sounded the Cup tie with a victory, although the exact result and the name of the opponent are unknown. Diego Simeone’s team has been very solid lately, especially in defense.

Coach’s statements

Hansi Flick spoke highly of Atlético de Madrid at the pre-match press conference: “A lot of money has been invested in this Atlético. They have excellent players, they are unbelievable”. In a sign that he expects a serious challenge against Madrid.

Diego Simeone spoke of his usual match-by-match focus, stressing that his team is ready for the challenges ahead and that he is confident in the ability of his players.

The importance of the match

This match is not only important for reaching the final of the Copa del Rey, but also for the prestige between the two teams. Both teams are also aiming for the LaLiga title, and with the Champions League about to resume, the outcome of this match could have a huge psychological impact on the rest of the season.

Fans can expect an exciting and tense clash, in which tactical battles and individual flashes of brilliance could play a decisive role. The second leg will be played in Madrid, so today’s result could be especially important for both teams.

What to bet on Barca vs Atletico?

Both teams may be a little mentally tired due to the crazy championship race, but there is no stopping them and they have to keep the gas pedal to the metal. This is the semifinal, which will be decided in two games, so don’t expect a do-or-die attitude. That’s not to say we won’t see a lot of goals, but we don’t necessarily agree with the bookmakers’ limits on the number of goals.

We wouldn’t risk betting on the winning markets, so we’ve gone in another direction. We’ve already talked about goals, we’re more inclined not to open the scoring, so we’ve combined a heavily shifted limit at the bookmaker with the option of both teams taking at least two cards.