The Copa del Rey returns this Tuesday at 9:00 PM, with Barça and Atlético de Madrid facing off in the first leg of the semifinals. Montjuïc will host this first match between these two teams, with the return leg taking place in a month at the Metropolitano. This great match can be followed on Televisión Española and Movistar +, as well as minute by minute on our social media @carpetasblaugranas
How Barça Arrives
Flick's team arrives at this match in one of the best moments of the season, leaders in La Liga and starting as favorites in their Champions League duel. However, this is another competition against a rival that in the only match they played, they lost. While it's true that they were better in that match, the colchoneros won with a goal in the last minute.
The German coach didn't want to make comparisons regarding what happened in La Liga, because it's also a two-legged tie. Regarding Lamine's absence in training, he believes he will be able to play, as the doctors have conveyed optimism about his condition. About Benfica having more rest (they won't play next weekend) he commented that it's difficult to talk with both the Federation and La Liga in such cases.
Regarding the line-up, there are few doubts in the XI, perhaps the most controversial is the central midfielder/pivot position. Two candidates, Casadó and De Jong for one spot, in addition to knowing if Szczęsny will continue in goal or if he will give Iñaki the opportunity. Up front, the question is Lamine, if he can play, if not, Ferran would enter and Raphinha would go to the right wing.
How Atlético de Madrid Arrives
The colchonero team is also in great form, with several players in form both starters and substitutes. Additionally, in defense they are increasingly solid, with Lenglet having secured a starting position joined by Giménez, who is having more continuity. In the Copa, they come from eliminating Getafe with a resounding 5-0 and in the last La Liga match, they defeated Valencia with a double from Julián.
The Argentine coach, Simeone, commented in a press conference that he knows there will be moments of suffering and that if they want to advance, they must overcome them. Regarding the schedule, he didn't want to comment on whether he finds it very complicated or not, but that they must go "match by match". Regarding the strength of their rival, he mentioned that "Flick manages to convey to his players the play style he proposes".
Regarding the starters, not many changes are expected compared to the last one that played in La Liga. The most significant will be Musso, who will play ahead of Oblak as it's the Copa del Rey. 'Cholo' also didn't want to assure Lenglet's starting position, so it wouldn't be strange for Giménez to be joined by Le Normand.
Match Keys
Ball Circulation: the Madrid team has shown that they can play in two ways, sit back and counter or press high from the start. If they opt for the first, Barça will need to move the ball quickly if they want to dismantle that defensive setup that has yielded such good results. If they play to steal the ball, it will be crucial for them to be able to play out from the back without losing too many balls.
Two-Legged Match: both coaches have said in a press conference that this match is important, but there is another return leg. It's likely that the tie won't be decided in this match, so it's not surprising that both teams manage the time. Additionally, the schedule is getting tighter, especially because it will be much more demanding in the coming weeks.
Pressure on Juan Musso: the Argentine goalkeeper will play the most important match since he joined the rojiblanca discipline. Starting in all the Copa matches, he is effective in 1vs1 situations and rarely makes mistakes in the air. The player on loan from Atalanta must manage this scenario, especially because he faces one of the most scoring forward lines in Europe.
End of the Streak: the victory in La Liga broke Cholo's drought of consecutive losses for his Atleti at the culés' field. The end of this curse relieves a lot of pressure on the colchoneros, who are two matches away from the final of a new title. Barça, meanwhile, will want to get back to winning ways against the Madrid team and try to secure the second title of the year.
