Barcelona and Atlético Madrid Clash in Copa del Rey Semifinal: A Battle for Spanish Football Supremacy
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as Atlético Madrid hosts Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal on Thursday, February 12, 2026, with a 9 PM (20:00 GMT) kickoff. This match, taking place at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, pits two Spanish football giants against each other in a quest for a place in the final.
A Rematch of Last Season’s Dramatic Semifinal
This isn’t the first time these teams have met at this stage of the competition. Last season’s semifinal was a captivating affair, ending in a 4-4 draw before Barcelona secured a narrow 1-0 victory in the second leg, ultimately progressing to the final. Barcelona went on to win the 2025 final, claiming their record-extending 32nd Copa del Rey title with a 3-2 victory over Real Madrid.
Barcelona’s Recent Form: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Barcelona enters the match in excellent form, having won their last six games across all competitions, each victory secured by a margin of at least two goals. Currently leading La Liga with 58 points from 23 matches, Barcelona boasts the league’s most potent attack, having scored 63 goals while conceding only 23. A recent 3-0 win against Mallorca, with goals from Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Marc Bernal, underscores their attacking prowess.
Having already secured the Spanish Super Cup this season, Barcelona remains in contention for three major titles – La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League – demonstrating their ambition and capability.
Historical Advantage for Barcelona
Historically, Barcelona holds a favorable record against Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey during the Diego Simeone era, having won all previous encounters in 2009, 2015, 2017, and 2025. This historical dominance could provide a psychological edge for Barcelona heading into the first leg.
Atlético Madrid’s Challenge: Copa del Rey as a Realistic Target
Atlético Madrid reached the semifinals with a dominant 5-0 victory over Real Betis in the quarterfinal. However, their momentum was briefly halted by a 1-0 defeat to Betis in La Liga. In their last five matches, Atlético has secured two wins, one draw, and two losses. Currently third in La Liga with 45 points, 13 points behind Barcelona, Atlético may view the Copa del Rey as a more attainable trophy this season.
Head-to-Head History: A Long-Standing Rivalry
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have faced each other a total of 249 times in official competition, with the first match dating back to April 19, 1925. The recent La Liga fixture on December 2 saw Barcelona overcome a strong Atlético side with a 3-1 victory, fueled by goals from Raphinha, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres.
FAQ
Q: When and where will the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg be played?
A: The match will be played on Thursday at 9pm (20:00 GMT) at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Spain.
Q: Who are the defending Copa del Rey champions?
A: Barcelona are the reigning champions, having won the 2025 final.
Q: What is Barcelona’s current position in La Liga?
A: Barcelona is currently at the top of La Liga with 58 points from 23 games.
Q: What is Atlético Madrid’s current position in La Liga?
A: Atlético Madrid is currently in third position in La Liga with 45 points.
Q: Where will the second leg of the semifinal be played?
A: The return leg will be played at Barcelona’s Nou Camp Stadium on March 4.
Did you grasp? Barcelona has won the Copa del Rey a record 32 times.
Pro Tip: Retain an eye on Lamine Yamal, who has been in excellent form for Barcelona recently.
Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as Barcelona and Atlético Madrid battle for a place in the Copa del Rey final. Explore more articles on Spanish football and cup competitions on our website. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and insights!
