Sofia Quijada
The stage is set for the Copa Del Rey 2024/25 semifinals, where two giants of Spanish football, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, will collide on February 25, 2025, at 22:30 CEST.
As excitement mounts for this much-anticipated clash, fans are eager to see how the key players, recent form, and tactical setups will unfold in this intense rivalry.
Team Analysis
Barcelona enters the match in formidable form, boasting an impressive 86% win rate over their last 7 matches, unbeaten with 6 wins and 1 draw. Their defensive solidity and attacking prowess have been on full display, particularly in their recent triumphs, including a commanding 5-0 victory over Valencia.
Conversely, Atlético Madrid has been known for their resilience, securing 4 wins and 3 draws in their last 7 encounters, reflecting a steady 57% win rate. Key to their success has been their ability to stifle opponents, as seen in their 5-0 rout over Getafe. Despite a slightly lower win rate compared to Barcelona, Atlético’s tactical adaptability and team cohesion present a formidable challenge.
| Statistic | Barcelona | Atletico Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 13 | 12 |
| Total Shots | 67 | 60 |
| Offsides | 8 | 7 |
| Interceptions | 29 | 30 |
| Total Fouls | 36 | 58 |
| Yellow Cards | 9 | 12 |
| Total Corners | 22 | 19 |
| Pass Accuracy (%) | 88.8% | 84.9% |
Atletico Madrid. Source: Official Website
Key Players to Watch
For Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski and Ferrán Torres stand out with their goal-scoring capabilities, while Raphinha provides creativity and assists. In defense, Jules Koundé’s solidity will be crucial. On the Atlético side, Antoine Griezmann’s vision and creativity, along with Samuel Lino’s pace and finishing, can turn the tides. Jan Oblak’s goalkeeping prowess will be pivotal in safeguarding their backline.
| Barcelona | Statistic | Atletico Madrid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Lewandowski | 3 Goals | Antoine Griezmann | 1 Goal, 1 Assist |
| Ferrán Torres | 4 Goals | Samuel Lino | 2 Goals |
| Raphinha | 1 Goal, 3 Assists | Jan Oblak | 14 Saves |
| Jules Koundé | 281 Passes (88.1% Accuracy) | Jan Oblak | Goalkeeper |
Possible Starting Lineup
Both teams are expected to line up in their preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to control the midfield while exploiting wide areas.
For Barcelona, Wojciech Szczęsny is likely to start in goal, with a defense line featuring Jules Koundé, Iñigo Martínez, Alejandro Balde, and Eric García. The midfield trio could consist of Frenkie de Jong, Pedro González, and Marc Casadó. Up front, the attacking flair of Ferrán Torres, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski could prove decisive.
Atlético Madrid might deploy Jan Oblak between the sticks, protected by a defense including César Azpilicueta, José Giménez, Marcos Llorente, and Nahuel Molina. The midfield could see Rodrigo De Paul and Koke pulling the strings, with Antoine Griezmann, Samuel Lino, and Ángel Correa supporting Giuliano Simeone in attack.
Bookmaker Analysis
- Bet365: Barcelona (1.73), Draw (4.33), Atlético Madrid (4.00)
- William Hill: Barcelona (1.73), Draw (4.00), Atlético Madrid (4.33)
- Bovada: Barcelona (1.77), Draw (3.75), Atlético Madrid (4.10)
- Pinnacle: Barcelona (1.73), Draw (4.08), Atlético Madrid (4.33)
- Betway: Barcelona (1.75), Draw (4.00), Atlético Madrid (4.00)
The odds reflect Barcelona’s favored status, holding a strong 54% chance of winning according to bookmaker predictions. While a draw holds a 24% likelihood, Atlético’s competitive spirit ensures they have the potential to upset the odds at 23%.
Barcelona. Source: Official Website
The Verdict
Our expert take predicts a thrilling encounter with Barcelona edging out a narrow victory. A safe bet would be Barcelona (1) to win, considering their outstanding form. For a more rewarding bet, consider Barcelona to win with both teams scoring. Additionally, the match might see over 2.5 total goals scored, given the attacking talent on display.
Backed by recent match stats, such as Barcelona’s 5-0 dominance over Valencia, these predictions aim to offer a holistic view into this high-stakes clash.
