Copa del Rey Semi-Final: Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona Preview, Team News & Lineups

A titan clash awaits at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano tonight, February 12, 2026, as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid face off in the first leg of a mouthwatering Copa del Rey semi-final.
This is a repeat of last year’s semi-final thriller, where Hansi Flick’s men narrowly edged past Diego Simeone’s side 5-4 on aggregate before lifting their 32nd title. With the return leg scheduled for March 4 at the Camp Nou, tonight is all about setting the tempo.

Match Preview

Barcelona arrive in the capital as the most in-form team in Europe. Hansi Flick has transformed the Blaugrana into a high-pressing machine, winning 10 of their 11 matches since the turn of the year. They currently sit top of La Liga, 13 points clear of third-placed Atletico.
For Diego Simeone, this match carries extra weight. Reports suggest his 15-year tenure might be nearing its end due to a strained relationship with the board. However, the “Cholo” spirit remains alive in the Cup; Atleti dismantled Real Betis 5-0 in the quarter-finals, proving they are still lethal on their day. They will look to new superstar signing Ademola Lookman to provide the spark they’ve lacked in recent big-game meetings with Barca.

Team News

Barcelona
The Catalans are flying high but are decimated by injuries to key creative players:

• Absentees: Pedri (muscle), Gavi (knee), and Andreas Christensen are long-term outs.
• Late Blows: Both Marcus Rashford and Raphinha failed late fitness tests and did not travel to Madrid.
• The Return: Frenkie de Jong returns to the starting XI after missing the weekend win over Mallorca with pubic discomfort.
  Atletico Madrid
  Simeone has a nearly full-strength squad to choose from:
• Attack: Julián Álvarez is expected to start despite a recent goal drought, likely partnered by the clinical Ademola Lookman.
• Midfield: Winter signing Rodrigo Mendoza could make his big-stage debut alongside the veteran Koke.
• Goalkeeper: Interestingly, Juan Musso is tipped to start over Jan Oblak, as he has been the designated “Cup keeper” this season.

Predicted Lineups

Atletico Madrid (5-3-2)
Manager: Diego Simeone

Musso; Kayode, Giménez, Hancko, Ajer, Henry; Koke, Mendoza, De Paul; Lookman, Álvarez.

Barcelona (4-3-3)
Manager: Hansi Flick
Joan García; Koundé, Cubarsí, Eric García, Balde; De Jong, Casadó, Fermín López; Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, Dani Olmo.

Head-to-Head & Key Stats

• Cup Kings: Barcelona are the defending champions and hold a record 32 Copa del Rey titles.
• Simeone’s Hoodoo: Diego Simeone has never beaten Barcelona in a two-legged Copa del Rey tie (0 for 4 in 2009, 2015, 2017, and 2025).
• Recent Form: Barcelona have won their last six matches in all competitions, scoring 15 goals and conceding only 3.
• The Riyadh Air Metropolitano Factor: While Barca won here 1-0 last season, the home crowd will be desperate to derail the Flick juggernaut.