Copa del Rey Semifinals: Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad

MADRID (AP) — The draw for the Copa del Rey semifinals revealed fierce matchups as Barcelona will face Atletico Madrid, while Real Madrid is set to take on Real Sociedad. Scheduled to take place in late February and early April, this year’s semifinal series marks the first time since 2014 that Spain’s three footballing giants have reached this stage, alongside Real Sociedad.

Barcelona, with a record 31 Copa del Rey victories, will host Atletico in the first leg at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium on February 25. The return leg will occur at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 2. Atletico Madrid, the 2013 Copa champions, currently sit second in La Liga, just a point ahead of Barcelona, and seek to add to their ten title wins.

Real Madrid, with an impressive 20 Copa del Rey titles, will visit San Sebastián for the first leg against Real Sociedad before hosting the Basque side in the return match. Sociedad, who won their last Copa title in 2020, seeks to overthrow a Madrid team that ousted them from the tournament in previous rounds.

The semifinals are set to kick off February 25 and 26, with the return legs scheduled for April 1 and 2, leading to a potential final at Estadio La Cartuja in Seville on April 26.

Both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid enter this high-stakes semis with momentum. Barcelona’s last defeat came in December against Atletico, prior to a remarkable run that has seen them win 9 of their last 11 matches, including a triumph in the Spanish Super Cup, with a goalscored record of 41 against just 12 conceded in that span.

Atletico, however, is also enjoying an impressive streak, registering 19 victories in their last 22 fixtures and leading with a goal differential of +41. This match-up could prove to be a pivotal test of their strength, as both teams are vying for La Liga titles.

Barça head coach Xavi Hernandez expressed optimism, stating, “We are ready for the challenge that lies ahead. The Copa del Rey is a crucial objective for us, and we will do everything to reach the final.”

The other semifinal sees Real Madrid looking to rebound after their last Copa del Rey campaign ended in disappointment against Atletico. With current form favoring them, manager Carlo Ancelotti insists the team aims to maintain their league lead while competing for yet another cup title.

The rivalry persists, particularly for Atletico, who has not eliminated Barcelona from the Copa del Rey since the year 2000. Atletico fans are optimistic, especially after besting Barca earlier this season, highlighting the importance of history in these encounters.

As teams prepare for the upcoming legs, La Liga standings will also heavily play into match strategies. Each team’s hopes of double glory hinge on upcoming performances in both domestic league matches and cup contests.

The stage is set for an exhilarating race to the Copa del Rey final as Spain’s preeminent clubs clash.