Barcelona host Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the highlight fixture of the 2024-25 Copa Del Rey semifinals.
The Catalans dominated proceedings the first time these two teams met this season back in December. In the end, however, it was Diego Simeone's men who emerged with a late 2–1 victory at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Barcelona have since returned to the top of La Liga, tied on points with Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid only one point back in third.
After domestic struggles highlighted Barça's end of 2024, they're still yet to lose since the turn of the year. Now, Hansi Flick will hope the strong form carries over into the decisive part of his debut season in Barcelona, including a Copa del Rey run where the Blaugrana have more success than any other team in tournament history.
Alarms have been raised after Lamine Yamal suffered a nasty cut on his left foot on the win against Las Palmas less than 72 hours ago. However, there's optimism in the Catalan camp that the teenager will be available vs. Atleti.
With over a month to go until the second leg of the semifinal, Flick will aim to take the early lead in the tie, taking advantage of the almost entirely healthy squad at his disposal at this point of the season.
Here's how Barcelona could lineup vs. Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals.
