Barcelona travel to Spain’s capital to face Atletico Madrid on Thursday for the first leg of a mouthwatering Copa del Rey semifinal tie. For the second season in a row, FC Barcelona must overcome Diego Simeone’s side in their last hurdle before the final. In a vibrant tie this time last year, Hansi Flick’s men defeated Atléti 5–4 on aggregate to advance to the final and eventually conquer their 32nd title in the competition.
The Catalans arrive at the semifinal as the most in-form team in Spain. Flick’s men have lost just one of their last 18 games, recently defeating Albacete to qualify for this stage and coming off a dominant 3–0 win against Mallorca at the weekend. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid have been inconsistent, defeating Real Betis 5–0 in the cup only to lose 1–0 to the same opponent in league play days later.
Atletico Madrid Team News and Predicted Lineup
Diego Simeone will have to work around major fitness issues in his midfield. Pablo Barrios will miss the clash through a muscular injury, and U.S. international Johnny Cardoso remains a major doubt. Veteran captain Koke is expected to start, likely partnered by winter signing Rodrigo Mendoza, though Mexico national team youngster Obed Vargas could also get the nod.
In goal, Juan Musso has served as the starting goalkeeper in the Copa del Rey and is expected to keep his place over Jan Oblak. Up front, Julián Álvarez will be eager to end a two-month goal drought, potentially partnered by new reinforcement Ademola Lookman.
- Atletico Madrid Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Musso; Llorente, Giménez, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Koke, Mendoza, Baena; Álvarez, Lookman.
Barcelona Team News and Predicted Lineup
Hansi Flick is expected to deploy his most competitive lineup, though FC Barcelona continue to be missing Pedri and Raphinha. Added to the injury list is Marcus Rashford, who suffered a knock in the weekend victory against Mallorca and will miss this clash for precautionary reasons.
Ferran Torres is the likely candidate to operate on the left wing in Rashford’s absence. In midfield, Frenkie de Jong returns after being rested at the weekend to anchor the side alongside Dani Olmo and Fermín López. Defensively, the partnership of Pau Cubarsí and Eric García appears to be Flick’s settled choice for the center-back roles.
- Barcelona Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): García; Koundé, Cubarsí, García, Balde; López, De Jong, Olmo; Yamal, Lewandowski, Torres.
Match Details and Score Prediction
- Location: Madrid, Spain
- Stadium: Riyadh Air Metropolitano
- Date: Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026
- Kick-off Time: 8:00 p.m. GMT / 3:00 p.m. ET
- Competition: Copa del Rey
Both teams have delivered absolute spectacles in recent meetings. While Atletico’s counter-attacking nature will give Barcelona problems at the Metropolitano, the visitors enter the match having scored 15 goals in their last five games. Expect a high-scoring affair where both sides land significant punches ahead of the return leg in March.
Prediction: Atlético Madrid 2–3 Barcelona
Related Football Links
- For more match previews and team news, visit this page for English Premier League updates.
- Get all the latest Football News Today and match results.
- Stay updated with the latest from Spanish LaLiga and European football.
- Check the most recent transfer news and breaking rumors.