Barcelona Set for High-Stakes Copa del Rey Semifinal Clash with Atlético Madrid
In a thrilling development for Spanish football fans, FC Barcelona have been drawn to face Atlético Madrid in the semifinals of the 2025-26 Copa del Rey. The draw, conducted on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) headquarters in Las Rozas, pits two La Liga powerhouses against each other once again at this stage of the competition. Barcelona, the defending champions and the tournament’s most successful club with a record number of titles, will look to defend their crown, while Atlético seek revenge and a path to glory.
The tie is a repeat of last season’s dramatic semifinal, where the sides produced fireworks. They shared an exhilarating 4-4 draw in the first leg at Camp Nou, before Ferran Torres’ decisive goal secured a narrow 1-0 win for Barça in the return leg at the Metropolitano, advancing them on aggregate. That victory propelled Barcelona to the final, where they overcame Real Madrid in extra time to lift the trophy. History adds extra spice to this rematch, promising intensity and tactical battles under the lights.
The format returns to two-legged ties for the semifinals. Atlético Madrid will host the first leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano between February 10-12, 2026, giving Diego Simeone’s side the advantage of home support initially. The decisive second leg will take place at Spotify Camp Nou (often referred to as Camp Nou) between March 3-5, 2026, where Hansi Flick’s Barcelona can count on their passionate crowd to push them toward the final at La Cartuja in Seville.
Barcelona earned their spot with a hard-fought 2-1 quarter-final win over Albacete, courtesy of goals from young star Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araújo. Atlético, meanwhile, dominated their tie against Real Betis, securing a convincing victory that highlighted their attacking depth, including contributions from Antoine Griezmann and others. Both teams arrive in strong form, with Barcelona favored as defending champions but Atlético posing a formidable threat—especially given their solid league position and Simeone’s renowned defensive organization.
The other semifinal features an all-Basque derby between Athletic Club and Real Sociedad, ensuring a regional flavor on the opposite side of the bracket. The winners of each tie will meet in the final, with Barcelona eyeing back-to-back triumphs in a competition they have dominated historically.
This Barcelona-Atlético matchup stands out as the tie of the round, blending recent rivalry, star power, and high stakes. Expect tactical masterclasses, moments of brilliance, and perhaps another chapter of drama. For neutrals and supporters alike, these legs promise to deliver unforgettable football as the road to Copa del Rey glory intensifies.