🏆 Copa del Rey / Semifinals: Clash of Titans at the Metropolitano

February 12, 2026

This latest edition of the Copa del Rey (Semifinals - First Leg) analyzes the heavy-weight showdown between an Atlético Madrid side seeking redemption at home and a Barcelona team arriving in world-class form.

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🏆 Copa del Rey / Semifinals: Clash of Titans at the Metropolitano

The road to the Copa del Rey final runs through Madrid. Atlético Madrid hosts FC Barcelona in the first leg of the semifinals—a matchup that in recent years has become synonymous with goals, drama, and a slight Blaugrana dominance that "Cholo" Simeone is desperate to break.

🔴 Atlético Madrid: Consistency is the Obstacle

The Colchoneros arrive with doubts after falling in their last league match against Betis (0-1), although their Copa run has been dominant thus far.

• The Griezmann Factor: The Frenchman is the heart of the team in this tournament, boasting 4 goals in just 3 matches. If Atlético wants to take an advantage into the second leg, "The Little Prince" must be at his best.

• Recent Form: They have recorded 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in their last five outings. The Champions League defeat against Bodo/Glimt still weighs heavy on the fans' spirits.

🔵 Barcelona: A Winning Machine

The side currently led by Hansi Flick enters the tie with a perfect streak of 5 consecutive victories across all competitions.

• Lamine Yamal, the Standard-Bearer: With 2 goals and 1 assist in the Copa, the "boy wonder" remains the most clinical player on the pitch, now bolstered by the scoring touch of Marcus Rashford.

• Offensive Firepower: Barça has netted 15 goals in their last 5 matches, an average of 3 per game that is sure to test Jan Oblak’s nerves.

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📊 Head-to-Head and Key Statistics

Detail	Atlético de Madrid	FC Barcelona
Copa Top Scorer	A. Griezmann (4)	Lamine Yamal (2)
Assist Leader	Nahuel Molina (1)	Frenkie de Jong (2)
Form (Last 5)	W-L-D-W-L	W-W-W-W-W

Recent History: Barcelona has won 3 of the last 5 head-to-head meetings. Their last league encounter (December 2025) ended 3-1 in favor of the Catalans. However, the Copa del Rey has seen more parity, notably the spectacular 4-4 draw in February 2025.

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⚔️ Keys to the Match

1. Simeone’s Defense: Atleti has shown cracks against teams that attack via the wings; neutralizing Yamal and Rashford will be the top priority for Molina and Ruggeri.

2. Midfield Control: Frenkie de Jong is in "masterclass" mode with 2 assists in the tournament; Pablo Barrios will have the grueling task of suffocating the Blaugrana buildup.

3. The Metropolitano Factor: Despite their recent inconsistency, Atlético tends to transform into a different beast on Copa nights in front of their home crowd.