In this preview, the Riyadh Air Metropolitano takes center stage this Thursday as Atletico Madrid welcomes Barcelona for a blockbuster Copa del Rey semi-final first leg. With both sides desperate for silverware in 2026, this clash promises high intensity. Barcelona enters the match as the league leaders, fresh from a dominant 3-0 win over Mallorca, while Diego Simeone’s Atletico side is looking to bounce back from a narrow 1-0 defeat to Real Betis.
For fans and bettors alike, this match preview provides the essential data needed for the mid-week action. Historically, this fixture is a goal-fest, evidenced by their 4-4 draw in this competition last season. With Atletico looking to leverage their home advantage and Barcelona aiming to maintain their six-game winning streak, you can find the most competitive markets at Betano.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona match preview
Team Recent Form
Atletico Madrid: LWDLW
Barcelona: WWWWW
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Key Stats
- Away Powerhouse: Barcelona have won eight of their last nine away matches across all competitions, underscoring their “warm favorite” status for this trip to Madrid.
- Goal Machines: Barcelona’s last seven fixtures have all produced over 2.5 goals, with the team scoring at least twice in each of their last six victories.
- Defensive Lock: Despite recent inconsistency, Atletico Madrid have maintained a strong defensive base, keeping clean sheets in 50% of their most recent competitive outings.
1-2 to Barcelona. While Simeone’s men are always a threat at the Metropolitano, Barcelona’s current momentum is undeniable. Hansi Flick has the Catalan giants playing a clinical brand of football, winning 10 of their 11 games since the turn of the year. Atletico’s struggle with consistency—winning only four of their last ten—suggests they may struggle to contain the likes of Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski over 90 minutes. You can back this scoreline or explore alternative results at Betano.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona H2H
- Catalan Dominance: Barcelona have won eight of the last ten head-to-head encounters against Atletico Madrid (D1, L1).
- Cup Pedigree: Barcelona are undefeated in their last eight Copa del Rey clashes against the Rojiblancos (W6, D2).
- Scoring Consistency: Barcelona have netted exactly two goals in each of their three Copa del Rey matches so far this season.
- Over 2.5 Regularity: 52% of the historical meetings between these two giants have resulted in over 2.5 goals being scored.
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Pre-game Odds
- Atletico Madrid Win: 2.80
- Draw: 3.90
- Barcelona Win: 2.15
To bet on any of these options, visit Betano.
Team News Atletico Madrid
Diego Simeone faces a few selection headaches as the hosts look to navigate this semi-final. Johnny Cardoso and Robin Le Normand are major doubts, while midfielder Pablo Barrios is recovering from a thigh injury with an expected return later this month. However, the squad is boosted by the availability of Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann, both of whom are expected to lead the attack.
Team News Barcelona
Hansi Flick is dealing with several key absences. Pedri, Gavi, and Andreas Christensen remain sidelined with long-term injuries. The most significant concern for this first leg is winger Raphinha, who is struggling with an adductor strain and faces a late fitness test. In his absence, Marcus Rashford is tipped to start on the left wing following a strong performance against Mallorca, joining Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal in a potent front three.
Predicted Line-ups
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Musso; Llorente, Hancko, Pubill, Ruggeri; Simeone, Koke, Barrios, Baena; Lookman, Griezmann.
Barcelona (4-3-3): Garcia; Koundé, E. García, Cubarsí, Balde; Casadó, De Jong, Olmo; Yamal, Lewandowski, Rashford.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona betting tips
Tip 1 – Result: Barcelona Win.
Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 goals.
Tip 3 – Both Teams To Score: Yes.
For the most up-to-date odds and live betting options, head over to Betano.
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