This Wednesday, at 9:30 PM, the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals between Atleti and Barça will be played. The match will take place in a packed Metropolitano, with a good number of culé fans traveling. The game can be watched on La 1, Movistar +, and minute by minute through our social media @carpetasblaugranas
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José Luis Munuera Montero will be in charge of refereeing the duel, accompanied in the VAR by Martínez Munuera.
How Atlético de Madrid Arrives
The colchoneros are going through a difficult time, falling behind in La Liga, it seems that the Copa is the last title they cling to win something this year. The elimination in the Champions League at the hands of Madrid has taken a toll on the rojiblanco team, affecting them in the last league matches. Sorloth's goal in the last minute of the first leg gave wings to a team that was losing 4-2 with 15 minutes left to the end of the match.
The Argentine coach has assessed the season as "very good," since he only understands failure when there hasn't been an attempt, and they are in the semifinals. He doesn't believe there will be many changes in the approach of both teams and that they will try to be very intense. What he has made clear is that he doesn't consider it a final, although their fans always give their best in every match.
Regarding the starters, Musso will be the starting goalkeeper again, confirmed by Simeone in a press conference. As for the midfield, he has highlighted the virtues of each one, however, it seems that Gallagher could return to the line-up. Up front, there is no doubt, Julián will join a Griezmann who is not in his best moment, but his coach hopes he "returns."
How Barça Arrives
Flick's team is just one match away from playing a new final, with the Champions League quarterfinals on the horizon. The first leg was a wonderful match for the neutral spectator, 8 goals in 90 minutes, with a frenetic start and continuous changes on the scoreboard. The culé squad left that match very angry, as they had it under control and let a two-goal margin slip away.
Hans Flick has downplayed the fact that they have one less day of rest, his squad is focused on playing 90, 120, or penalties. He says he trusts his players a lot and is very satisfied with the level of commitment they have, although they haven't achieved anything yet. However, he has described this match as a "final" he wants to reach, and for that, they must defeat their rival and their coach, whom he describes as "excellent."
Regarding the possible XI, he has hinted at the possibility of Lewandowski rotating, however, he has asked everyone to wait until tomorrow. Raphinha and Cubarsí are fully recovered, so they will be part of the line-up at the expense of Araujo and perhaps, Fermín. Another change that will occur compared to the match against Girona will be Balde's return to the starting line-up for Gerard Martín.
Match Keys
Emotional Moment: the two teams are in very different emotional moments. Barcelona is in a state of happiness, while Atleti feels some emotional wear after recent events. The team that knows how to better digest the blows and counterattack will have more chances to win the tie.
Julián Álvarez, the Great Threat: the Argentine is the main offensive weapon of the rojiblancos, his stats in the first season as a "colchonero" certify it. Barça already knows what a 'sting' from Julián is like, he has a great shot and knows how to be undetectable for the rival defense. He has scored 23 goals throughout the season, 5 of them in the Copa.
Pressure vs. Advanced Line: Barça no longer plays with such an advanced line as they did in the first months of competition. Even so, they are managing to steal a lot of balls in the opponent's half, which makes it easier for them to create many more dangerous chances without suffering so much on the counter. While Atleti is comfortable without the ball, they need players like Griezmann to have contact with the ball to stay connected to the match.
Kounde's Wing: the French full-back has played many minutes this season, in fact, there is already talk of a possible renewal. Barça's right flank stands out for what they offer offensively and because opponents always look to exploit the back of the former Sevilla player. In the first leg, the last two goals came from his side, so it wouldn't be surprising if they maintain that idea in the second leg to cause damage.
