Barcelona Vs Atlético Madrid: Live Score, Preview, Lineup, Telecast Details
| Date | Friday, February 13, 2026 |
| Time | 1:30 AM IST |
| Venue | Riyadh Air Metropolitano |
| Competition | Copa del Rey (Semi-final) |
🏟️ Copa del Rey Semi-Final: High Stakes at the Metropolitano
The Riyadh Air Metropolitano becomes the epicenter of Spanish football tonight as Atlético Madrid hosts the defending champions, FC Barcelona, in the first leg of a massive Copa del Rey semi-final. This fixture has become a recurring nightmare for Los Colchoneros, who were eliminated by Barcelona at this same stage last season. Hansi Flick's side arrives as the competition's "Kings" with 32 titles, looking to secure a first-leg advantage before the return leg at Camp Nou in March.
Atlético Madrid enters the clash following a narrow league defeat to Real Betis, though their path to this semi-final was dominant, capped by a 5-0 thrashing of Betis in the previous round. Barcelona, meanwhile, remains top of the La Liga table and comes off a clinical 3-0 victory against Mallorca. While history favors the visitors—who have progressed in their last four Copa meetings against Atlético—the intense atmosphere in Madrid will test the resolve of the current trophy holders.
- Event: Copa del Rey Semi-final, Leg 1
- Date: Friday, February 13, 2026
- Time: 1:30 AM IST (21:00 CEST)
- Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid
- Context: A rematch of last year's semi-final where Barcelona looks to defend their title against Simeone's reinforced squad.
📊 Team Analysis & Form
Atlético Madrid (Coach: Diego Simeone, Form: L W W D L)
Diego Simeone’s side has a "new look" following a busy January transfer window that saw three new arrivals, including Nigerian star Ademola Lookman. Despite inconsistent league results, they remain a "defensive tank" at the Metropolitano, where they are traditionally difficult to break down. Simeone has expressed firm faith in his squad's ability to reach another final, despite admitting he is not underestimating Flick's tactical risks.
FC Barcelona (Coach: Hansi Flick, Form: W W W L W)
Hansi Flick has transformed Barcelona into a high-pressing machine that has won 17 of its last 18 games across all competitions. The Blaugrana currently lead La Liga and have already secured the Spanish Super Cup this season. However, they face a major selection headache for tonight's trip to the capital as key attacking players are sidelined due to a late injury crisis.
⭐ Key Players
- Atlético Madrid: Antoine Griezmann (Forward) - The veteran remains the heartbeat of the team, crucial for exploiting vulnerabilities in Barcelona's high defensive line.
- Atlético Madrid: Ademola Lookman (Winger) - The January signing scored and assisted on his debut and provides a fresh, explosive threat on the counter.
- Barcelona: Ferran Torres (Forward) - With injuries elsewhere, "The Shark" is expected to lead the line; he has a prolific record at the Metropolitano, scoring three goals in two games there last season.
- Barcelona: Lamine Yamal (Winger) - The teenage sensation has scored five goals in his last five matches and has been a constant threat in every round of this year's Copa.
🎯 The Key Battlegrounds
- The Injury Factor: Barcelona is without Raphinha, Pedri, and Marcus Rashford, forcing Flick to lean on squad depth and tactical adjustments.
- High Line vs. Counter-Attack: Simeone has specifically praised Flick's "suffocating pressure" and risky high defense, which Atlético will look to exploit through Lookman and Griezmann.
- The Metropolitano Atmosphere: Atlético is notoriously strong at home and will be motivated by a desire for revenge after last year's heartbreaking elimination.
🔮 Prediction and Final Word
While Barcelona's recent form makes them favorites, the double blow of losing Raphinha and Rashford ahead of kick-off significantly shifts the momentum towards Atlético. Expect a cagey first leg where Simeone's tactical discipline meets Flick's relentless press. A close encounter is likely, leaving everything to be decided in the second leg at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Predicted Score: Atlético Madrid 1–1 FC Barcelona
Can Atlético finally break the Barcelona curse, or will the champions overcome their injury woes? Kick-off at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano is at 1:30 AM IST tonight!
Would you like me to provide the confirmed starting lineups for the Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona semi-final as soon as they are released?
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