Having smashed Barcelona 4-0 at home in the first leg, Atletico Madrid will be looking to get the job done away from home. Meanwhile, Hansi Flick’s team will be looking to script history by overturning a four-goal deficit to keep their cup hopes alive.
The home team are top of La Liga, and they have been one of the most consistent teams in Europe this term. The Catalan giants have already won the Super Cup, and they have also made it to the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
While the Blaugrana were hoping to go all the way in the Copa del Rey as well, they suffered a massive setback in the first leg. Barcelona were heading into that fixture on the back of a six-game winning streak. They were favourites for the tie, but ended up suffering a humiliating 4-0 defeat to everyone’s surprise.
The Barcelona players will believe they can script an incredible comeback, but it looks very unlikely. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are third in La Liga, and the title already looks beyond their reach. While they have made it to the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions LEague, the Copa del Rey looks like their best chance to win a trophy this season.
Given their inconsistency, not many expected them to win the first leg, let alone dismantle Barcelona by four goals. Diego Simeone’s side are now in a very comfortable position, and it would be an absolute shock if Atletico Madrid were to throw it away in the second leg. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
While Marcus Rashford, Raphinha and Pedri, who missed the first leg, are available, Hansi Flick will be without quite a few first-team stars. Andreas Christensen (ACL) and Frenkie de Jong (hamstring) remain on the sidelines, while Robert Lewandowski has joined them following a fracture to his left eye socket.
Meanwhile, Eric Garcia is suspended for this fixture following the red card in the first leg. Gavi is back fit, but won’t be risked. Barcelona will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Joan Garcia will continue in goal. Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde will feature as the full-backs, while Pau Cubarsi will partner with Gerard Martin in the heart of the defence.
As for the midfield unit, Pedri and Dani Olmo could form the double pivot in this fixture. While Marc Casado would have been the preferred option for that role, Flick will have to go all-out attack from the start, and Olmo is certainly a better option in that regard.
Fermin Lopez will feature in the number ten role, while Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will take charge on the flanks. The duo will have to shoulder the responsibility of inspiring an incredible comeback. Meanwhile, Ferran Torres will lead the line for Barcelona against Atletico Madrid this weekend.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; Pedri, Olmo; Yamal, Lopez, Raphinha; Torres
Atletico Madrid suffered a blow against Real Oviedo last time out, as Johnny Cardoso (hamstring) has joined Pablo Barrios (thigh) on the sidelines ahead of the game against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
Apart from the duo, Diego Simeone should have a fully fit squad to choose from. Atletico Madrid will line up in a 4-4-2 formation, where Juan Musso will feature in goal. Nahuel Molina and Matteo Ruggeri will feature as the full-backs, while Marc Pubill will partner with David Hancko in the heart of the defence. The back four will look to keep things tight at the back and ensure Barcelona do not score early.
As for the midfield unit, Giuliano Simeone and Ademola Lookman will take up the wide roles, while Koke and Marcos Llorente will feature as the two central midfielders in the centre of the park. They will look to shield the backline and will certainly have a lot of defending to do. In the final third, Alexander Sorloth will start alongside Julian Alvarez.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Musso; Ruggeri, Hancko, Pubill, Molina; Simeone, Koke, Llorente, Lookman; Alvarez, Sorloth
Barcelona fans will be hoping that their teenage sensation comes good once again and helps them pull off a crazy comeback in the second leg. Yamal certainly has it in him to inspire a comeback, and given his red-hot form, Atletico Madrid’s defence will be focused on keeping him quiet.
The Spanish international has 32 goal contributions in his 34 outings this term. The teenage sensation bagged a hat-trick in their last outing against Villarreal, and he will be looking for a similar performance against rivals Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona will look to come flying out of the blocks as they attempt to pull off an improbable comeback, and an early goal could turn the tie into a nervy affair. With nothing to lose, Hansi Flick’s side are expected to play on the front foot and throw numbers forward, relying on their attacking quality to put Atletico under pressure.
However, Atletico Madrid remain in a commanding position and are well-equipped to manage the occasion. Diego Simeone’s men are likely to stay compact, soak up pressure and look to hurt Barcelona on the counter. While the hosts may secure a morale-boosting win on the night, Atletico should have enough control and experience to see the tie through and book their place in the final.
