As the LaLiga title race intensifies, Real Madrid and Barcelona briefly shift focus to the second leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal matches this week.
The first semifinal will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Real Madrid hosts Real Sociedad. Meanwhile, in the second semifinal, Atletico Madrid will battle Barcelona at the Metropolitano Stadium in hopes of securing a spot in the final.
First-Leg Recap
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid (February 26):
Real Madrid clinched a narrow 1-0 victory against Real Sociedad in a match overshadowed by racist abuse directed at Vinicius Junior. Brazilian forward Endrick netted the game’s only goal at Reale Arena, giving Madrid a slender advantage.
Barcelona 4-4 Atletico Madrid (February 25):
In a high-scoring thriller, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid fought to a dramatic 4-4 draw. Atletico raced to a two-goal lead within six minutes, only to concede four straight goals. However, a late comeback saw them equalize in stoppage time, thanks to substitute Alexander Sorloth.
Semifinal Second-Leg Fixtures
• Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad – Tuesday, April 1, 9:30 PM (Local) / 19:30 GMT
• Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona – Wednesday, April 2, 9:30 PM (Local) / 19:30 GMT
About Copa del Rey
Established in 1903, Copa del Rey is Spain’s oldest football competition. Barcelona leads the all-time winners’ list with 31 titles, followed by Athletic Bilbao (24) and Real Madrid (20). Winning this cup is equivalent to securing the FA Cup in England.
Importance of the Trophy for Barcelona & Real Madrid
Both clubs remain in contention for a prestigious treble—LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League—making this tournament a key target.
Predicted Lineups & Team News
Real Madrid (Possible XI)
Lunin; Vazquez, Asensio, Rudiger, F. Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.
Carlo Ancelotti may recall key players, while first-choice keeper Thibaut Courtois remains a doubt.
Real Sociedad (Possible XI)
Remiro; Traore, Zubeldia, Elustondo, Munoz; Sucic, Zubimendi, Marin; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea.
Coach Imanol Alguacil might miss Brais Mendez due to injury, but Barrenetxea returns from suspension.
Atletico Madrid (Possible XI)
Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Azpilicueta; Simeone, Gallagher, Barrios, Lino; Alvarez, Griezmann.
Julian Alvarez, Atletico’s top scorer in the competition, will be key in attack.
Barcelona (Possible XI)
Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Martinez, Balde; Gavi, Pedri; Yamal, De Jong, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
Manager Hansi Flick will be without Dani Olmo, who remains sidelined until late April.
Source: Al Jazeera
BDST: 1107 HRS, APR 01, 2025
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