The Copa del Rey reaches its peak of interest in the semifinal stage.
Tonight’s second-leg clash between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona (21:30) at a packed “Metropolitano” fully justifies the excitement of this competition. The Catalan side holds the record with 31 titles, the most recent one in 2021.
On the other hand, Atlético Madrid aims to keep alive its hopes for an 11th triumph in this tournament, with its last success dating back to 2013. The grand final, set to take place on April 26 at “La Cartuja,” will determine its second finalist tonight, just a day after Real Madrid’s dramatic extra-time qualification against Real Sociedad.
Following the spectacular 4-4 draw in the first leg at “Montjuïc” a month ago, this return duel begins with no advantage for either team. However, besides the open result, there are several psychological factors and three precedents from this season that frame this encounter.
In La Liga, Atlético Madrid overturned Barcelona at “Montjuïc” (1-2), while Barça responded in kind at the “Metropolitano” (2-4). Meanwhile, the first semifinal clash in the Copa del Rey ended in a goal fest, leaving everything wide open.
Both Atlético Madrid and Barça approach this match with enthusiasm but from different perspectives. For the “Colchoneros,” the Copa del Rey has become the most achievable objective following their dramatic elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid and their almost irreversible exit from the La Liga title race.
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