Copa del Rey: Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Match Preview, Prediction, TV channels & Predicted Lineup
Spanish heavyweights collide at the Metropolitano for the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg. With league leaders Barcelona chasing a treble and Atletico seeking redemption, this high-stakes rivalry promises elite drama.
Match Facts
This is the first leg of the semi-finals; unlike the previous rounds, this stage is played over two legs to decide who reaches the final.
The Blaugrana are in scintillating form, coming off a dominant quarter-final win over Albacete and sitting at the top of the La Liga table.
Atletico Madrid has prioritized the Cup this season as their most realistic path to silverware, relying on their signature defensive grit at home.
The battle between Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann and Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is expected to be the deciding factor in the final third.
Barcelona edged the most recent league meeting between the two, but Atletico remains undefeated in their last 12 home games across all competitions.
Predicted Lineup
Atletico Madrid (3-5-2): Oblak; Giménez, Witsel, Le Normand; Llorente, De Paul, Koke, Gallagher, Lino; Griezmann, Sørloth.
Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Joan García; Koundé, Cubarsí, Araujo, Balde; Casadó, De Jong; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
Prediction of AI
Semi-final first legs are notoriously cagey, and with Diego Simeone at the helm, Atletico will likely focus on neutralizing Barcelona’s creative midfield. While Barcelona boasts superior attacking stats, the atmosphere at the Metropolitano often levels the playing field. A tactical stalemate or a narrow home victory is the most probable outcome.
Score Prediction: Atletico Madrid 1 - 1 Barcelona.
Kick Off Time?
Competition: Copa del Rey (Semi-Final, First Leg)
Kick-off (GMT): 20:00, Thursday 12 February 2026
Stadium, location: Cívitas Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain
How to Watch in Spain, UK and US?
In Spain: Live on Movistar+ and RTVE Play (La 1).
In the UK: Available to stream via Premier Sports and the Viaplay app.
In the US: Exclusively streaming on ESPN+.
TV Channel and Live Stream: You can also follow Xscore808 live updates for other countries.
