Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona: Copa del Rey Semifinal Lineups, Tactics & Referee Scandal Fallout
Previewing the fiery Copa del Rey semifinal clash - expected lineups, key tactical battles, and how Barcelona's financial fair play accusations could impact the match. Includes latest team news and predictions.
4/2/20252 min read
Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona: Copa del Rey Semifinal Preview & Lineup News ⚔️🔥
The **Copa del Rey semifinal** between **Atlético Madrid and Barcelona** is set to be a **fiery clash** as both teams battle for a spot in the final. With **key injuries, tactical battles, and off-field drama** surrounding Barcelona’s financial fair play issues, this match promises **high stakes and intense drama**.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of kickoff!
🔥 Match Preview: What’s at Stake?**
📅 Date & Venue**
- **🗓️ Wednesday, April 2, 2025**
- **🏟️ Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid**
- **⏰ 21:00 CET (Local Time)**
📌 Key Storylines**
✔️ **Barcelona’s Financial Turmoil** – Fresh La Liga accusations over **Dani Olmo’s registration** could impact squad morale.
✔️ **Atlético’s Home Fortress** – Diego Simeone’s men are **unbeaten in their last 12 home games**.
✔️ **Injury Crisis for Both Sides** – Key players missing for both teams.
⚡ Expected Lineups & Tactical Breakdown**
🔴⚪ Atlético Madrid (4-4-2)**
- **GK:** Jan Oblak
- **DEF:** Nahuel Molina, José Giménez, Stefan Savić, Reinildo
- **MID:** Marcos Llorente, Koke (C), Rodrigo De Paul, Samuel Lino
- **ATT:** Antoine Griezmann, Álvaro Morata
**🔑 Tactical Approach:**
- **High press & physical defending**
- **Griezmann as the creative hub**
- **Wing-backs crucial in attack** 🔵🔴 Barcelona (4-3-3)**
- **GK:** Marc-André ter Stegen
- **DEF:** Jules Koundé, Ronald Araújo, Andreas Christensen, Alejandro Balde
- **MID:** Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Gavi
- **ATT:** Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo* (*pending registration clearance)
**🔑 Tactical Approach:**
- **Possession-based buildup**
- **Pedri & Gavi controlling midfield tempo**
- **Lewandowski’s movement key in breaking Atlético’s defense**
📊 Key Stats & Head-to-Head**
- **Last 5 Meetings:**
- **Barcelona 2-1 Atlético (La Liga, 2024)**
- **Atlético 1-0 Barcelona (Copa del Rey, 2024)**
- **Barcelona 3-0 Atlético (Supercopa, 2023)**
- **Atlético’s Home Form:** **12 games unbeaten** (9W, 3D)
- **Barcelona’s Away Struggles:** **3 losses in last 5 away games**
🧠 Injury & Suspension Updates**
### **🚑 Atlético Madrid**
❌ **Thomas Lemar (Out – Hamstring)**
❌ **Memphis Depay (Doubtful – Ankle Knock)**
🚑 Barcelona**
❌ **Ilkay Gündoğan (Out – Suspension)**
❌ **Ferran Torres (Doubtful – Muscle Fatigue)**
⚠️ **Dani Olmo (Registration Pending – Fair Play Issues)**
💥 Dani Olmo Registration Scandal: Will He Play?**
Barcelona faces **new La Liga accusations** over **financial fair play breaches** regarding Dani Olmo’s registration.
📌 **Key Points:**
- La Liga claims Barcelona **exceeded salary limits** in registering Olmo.
- If proven, Barcelona could face **point deductions or transfer bans**.
- **Olmo’s availability for the match remains uncertain**.
🗣️ Manager Quotes & Pre-Match Mind Games**
### **Diego Simeone (Atlético Madrid)**
*"We respect Barcelona, but at the Wanda, we fight for every ball. This is our chance to reach another final."*
Xavi Hernández (Barcelona)**
*"The off-field noise won’t distract us. We’re focused on winning and silencing the critics."*
🔮 Prediction: Who Advances to the Final?**
✅ **Atlético’s Strengths:** Home form, defensive solidity, Griezmann’s creativity.
✅ **Barcelona’s Strengths:** Midfield control, Lewandowski’s finishing.
📌 Our Pick:** **Atlético Madrid 2-1 Barcelona (AET)** – Simeone’s men edge it in extra time.
📺 How to Watch**
- **📡 TV:** ESPN, DAZN
- **🌍 Streaming:** FuboTV, La Liga TV
💬 Your Turn!**
**Who do you think will win? Will Olmo play? Drop your predictions below! 👇**
#AtletiBarca #CopaDelRey #LaLiga #Football #UCL 🔥⚽