FC Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid: Predicted Starting Lineups for Copa del Rey Semifinal
Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid: Predicted Lineups for Copa del Rey Semifinal
La Liga powerhouses FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid will clash in the Copa del Rey semifinals on Tuesday, with a place in the final—and a potential showdown with Real Madrid—on the line.
Barcelona enters the high-stakes encounter with momentum, riding a 13-game unbeaten streak. The Blaugrana secured a 2-0 victory over Las Palmas on Saturday, thanks to second-half goals from Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres. With that win, Hansi Flick’s squad remained level with Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table on 54 points, edging ahead on goal difference.
Barcelona booked their semifinal spot with a dominant 5-1 win over Real Betis in the quarterfinals. However, their last defeat in any competition came against Atlético Madrid, who edged out a 2-1 win at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in late December, courtesy of Alexander Sørloth’s dramatic 96th-minute winner.
Atlético Madrid Team News & Predicted Lineup
Atleti manager Diego Simeone is set to make several key adjustments, with Juan Musso expected to feature in goal as the designated cup goalkeeper. Midfielder Pablo Barrios returns from suspension and is likely to start.
Julian Alvarez is expected to partner Antoine Griezmann up front, pushing Sørloth into a super-sub role. On the flanks, Samuel Lino and Giuliano Simeone could start, with Conor Gallagher likely to begin on the bench.
Predicted Atlético Madrid lineup (4-4-2):
Juan Musso (GK) – Nahuel Molina, José María Giménez, Robin Le Normand, Javi Galán – Giuliano Simeone, Rodrigo De Paul, Pablo Barrios, Samuel Lino – Antoine Griezmann, Julián Álvarez.
Injuries: Koke (leg).
Barcelona Team News & Predicted Lineup
Barcelona will be hoping that young star Lamine Yamal recovers in time to start, after he shared an image of his injured foot following the win over Las Palmas. In defense, Iñigo Martínez could partner Ronald Araújo, giving Pau Cubarsí a rest.
Frenkie de Jong is expected to return to the starting XI after being rested over the weekend, while Dani Olmo could get a rare start following his return from injury.
Predicted Barcelona lineup (4-2-3-1):
Wojciech Szczęsny (GK) – Jules Koundé, Ronald Araújo, Iñigo Martínez, Alejandro Balde – Frenkie de Jong, Pedri – Raphinha, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal – Robert Lewandowski.
Injuries: Marc Bernal (ACL), Marc-André ter Stegen (knee), Andreas Christensen (calf).
With both teams eyeing a spot in the final, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown at the Copa del Rey semifinals.
