Copa del Rey: Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Preview – February 25, 2025

Copa del Rey: Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Preview – February 25, 2025



The Copa del Rey quarterfinals bring a mouth-watering clash as FC Barcelona takes on Atlรฉtico Madrid on February 25, 2025. With both teams hungry for silverware, this knockout tie promises to be an intense battle filled with tactical masterstrokes and individual brilliance.

 

Event Details

  • Fixture: Barcelona vs. Atlรฉtico Madrid
  • Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025
  • Kick-Off Time: 21:00 CET / 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET
  • Venue: Estadi Olรญmpic Lluรญs Companys, Barcelona, Spain
  • Broadcast & Live Stream:
    • Spain: Movistar+, RTVE
    • UK: Viaplay, ITV
    • US: ESPN+, TUDN
    • Worldwide: Check local listings for streaming and television coverage

 

Team News

Barcelona

Barcelona, led by Xavi Hernรกndez, has been in fine form in domestic competitions. Despite injury concerns, they are expected to field a strong side to push for another Copa del Rey title.

  • Injuries/Suspensions:
    • Gavi: Out with a long-term ACL injury.
    • Joรฃo Fรฉlix: Questionable due to a muscle issue.
    • Pedri: Expected to be fit after recovering from a minor knock.
  • Key Players:
    • Robert Lewandowski: The Polish striker remains Barcelona’s biggest attacking threat.
    • Lamine Yamal: The teenage sensation continues to impress with his creativity.
    • Frenkie de Jong: The midfield engine dictating the tempo of Barcelona’s play.




Atlรฉtico Madrid

Diego Simeone’s men have been defensively resolute, and their counter-attacking prowess makes them a dangerous opponent.

  • Injuries/Suspensions:
    • Josรฉ Marรญa Gimรฉnez: Out with a hamstring injury.
    • Rodrigo De Paul: Expected to return after a slight knock.
    • Antoine Griezmann: Fit and ready to play against his former club.
  • Key Players:
    • Antoine Griezmann: Atlรฉtico’s creative force in attack.
    • รlvaro Morata: The striker is enjoying a prolific season.
    • Jan Oblak: A world-class goalkeeper who could be the difference-maker.

 

Possible Lineups

Barcelona (4-3-3):

  • Goalkeeper: Marc-Andrรฉ ter Stegen
  • Defenders: Jules Koundรฉ, Ronald Araรบjo, Andreas Christensen, Alejandro Balde
  • Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Ilkay Gรผndogan, Pedri
  • Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres

Atlรฉtico Madrid (3-5-2):

  • Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak
  • Defenders: Stefan Saviฤ‡, Axel Witsel, Mario Hermoso
  • Midfielders: Marcos Llorente, Rodrigo De Paul, Koke, Saรบl ร‘รญguez, Samuel Lino
  • Forwards: Antoine Griezmann, รlvaro Morata

 

Playing Ground: Estadi Olรญmpic Lluรญs Companys

With the Camp Nou undergoing renovations, Barcelona is currently playing home matches at the Estadi Olรญmpic Lluรญs Companys. Though it lacks the traditional fortress atmosphere of Camp Nou, the stadium still provides a strong home advantage for the Blaugrana.

 

Head-to-Head Record

  • Total Matches: 235
  • Barcelona Wins: 106
  • Atlรฉtico Madrid Wins: 78
  • Draws: 51

The history of this fixture favors Barcelona, but Atlรฉtico Madrid have shown in recent years that they are capable of taking down the Catalan giants.

 

Match Preview

Barcelona’s Tactical Approach

Barcelona will look to dominate possession, using their quick passing game to break down Atlรฉtico’s compact defense. With Frenkie de Jong controlling the midfield and Robert Lewandowski leading the attack, Xavi’s side will aim to outmaneuver Simeone’s tactical rigidity.

Atlรฉtico Madrid’s Strategy

Atlรฉtico will rely on their defensive solidity and counterattacking prowess. With Antoine Griezmann playing in a free role and รlvaro Morata’s poaching ability, they will seek to exploit Barcelona’s defensive gaps. Set pieces could also be a crucial factor in Atlรฉtico’s game plan.

 

Key Battles

  1. Frenkie de Jong vs. Rodrigo De Paul: A midfield duel that will dictate the tempo of the game.
  2. Robert Lewandowski vs. Jan Oblak: A top-class striker against one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
  3. Lamine Yamal vs. Mario Hermoso: The young winger’s pace against the experienced defender.

 

Betting Odds & Predictions

  • Barcelona Win: 1.90
  • Atlรฉtico Madrid Win: 3.60
  • Draw: 3.20

This match is expected to be a tight affair. However, Barcelona’s attacking depth and home advantage may give them a slight edge. Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Atlรฉtico Madrid.

 

How to Watch

Spain:

  • Movistar+, RTVE

United Kingdom:

  • Viaplay, ITV

United States:

  • ESPN+, TUDN

Global:

  • Check regional broadcasters for live streaming and TV options.

 

Conclusion

The Copa del Rey quarterfinal between Barcelona and Atlรฉtico Madrid is set to be a thrilling encounter. With Barcelona’s attacking prowess and Atlรฉtico’s defensive resilience, this match has all the ingredients for a classic Spanish football showdown. Fans can expect an intense battle as both teams vie for a place in the semifinals.