Rabat – Barcelona visit Atlético Madrid tonight in the Copa del Rey semi-final (first leg), at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
It’s a heavyweight tie between two of Spain’s strongest sides this season. Barcelona lead La Liga after 23 matches, while Atlético sit third, meaning both teams arrive with momentum.
𝐃𝐈́𝐀 𝐃𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐃𝐎. 🛣️🏆
Flick’s free-scoring Barcelona face their ultimate test against Simeone’s disciplined Atlético. A place in the Copa del Rey final is on the line… 🔥
Expect fireworks at the Metropolitano. Who takes the first-leg advantage? 👀 pic.twitter.com/mjGlMsmypc
— 433 (@433) February 12, 2026
Match Details
- Fixture: Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona
- Competition: Copa del Rey (Semi-finals – 1st leg)
- Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid
- Date/Time: Feb 12, 2026, 9 p.m
- How to Watch: beIN (MENA) | Spain: La 1 / RTVE Play USA: ESPN Select / ESPN App + fuboTV
Barcelona Team News
Injuries/Suspensions: Barcelona travel with notable attacking absences. Raphinha (adductor) and Marcus Rashford (knee) have been ruled out for the first leg, forcing Hansi Flick into changes in the front line.
Situation/Form: Barcelona have been strong lately, and with momentum, they won all their last six matches and they are the league leaders with 58 points one point ahead of Real Madrid
Key Players: With the left side depleted, Barcelona’s threat should lean heavily on Lamine Yamal’s creativity between the lines and in transition.
Barcelona Likely XI (projection): Szczęsny; Koundé, Araújo, Cubarsí, Balde; De Jong, Casadó; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Fermín; Lewandowski.
Atlético Madrid Team News
Injuries/Suspensions: Atlético are also carrying midfield issues. Diego Simeone confirmed Pablo Barrios (thigh) is out, while Johnny Cardoso (muscle) is sidelined as well. Both are important players in Atlético ’s ball-winning and passing structure.
Situation/Form: Atletico sit third in La Liga and will want a home-leg edge before the return match in Barcelona.
Key Players: Expect Antoine Griezmann’s link-up play to drive transitions and connect midfield to attack. Julián Álvarez and newcomer Lokman bring pace, which could stretch Barcelona’s back line.
Atlético Likely XI (projection): Oblak; Molina, Giménez, Witsel, Reinildo; Llorente, De Paul, Koke, Samuel Lino; Griezmann, Morata.
What to Expect
This first leg is set to be tense and tactical. Barcelona will aim to control possession and territory, but without Raphinha and Rashford, they lose some pace on the left. That makes them more reliant on central combinations through Dani Olmo and Frenkie de Jong.
Atletico, playing at home, are expected to press in certain moments before dropping into the usual compact defensive blocks. Their quick transitions, led by Antoine Griezmann, will be central to their approach.
The absence of Pablo Barrios shifts more creative responsibility forward, increasing the importance of wing service and fast link play.
Safe Bets
- Under 3.5 goals: Semi-final first legs often start cautiously
- Barcelona double chance (win or draw): Form + league consistency.
- Anytime scorer lean: Lamine Yamal or Griezmann
Final prediction: Atlético Madrid 2-1 Barcelona.
