Atletico Madrid were Barcelona’s least preferred opponent for Copa del Rey semi-finals – report | OneFootball

Barcelona have been drawn against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, a two-legged tie that presents a significant challenge for the Blaugrana.

This was not the most favourable of outcomes for Barcelona, considering the fact that there was also a chance of them facing Real Sociedad.

But the Txuri-Urdin have been drawn against Real Madrid in the other semifinals, both of which will be played across two legs.

Atletico Madrid: Barcelona’s least liked draw

According to SPORT, Atletico Madrid were the least desired opponent for the Barcelona team.

For Barcelona, Atletico Madrid are historically the most frequently encountered rival in the Copa del Rey, having faced them 47 times. By the end of this semi-final tie, the tally will reach 49.

The record favours the Blaugrana, with 22 victories to Atletico’s 16, alongside nine draws. Barcelona have also outscored their opponents 93-71 in these matchups.

Simeone’s Atletico Madrid will be a tough nut to crack (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

However, recent history suggests this will be a stern challenge for Hansi Flick’s men. The two sides have met once this season, with Atletico securing a dramatic 2-1 victory at Montjuic in La Liga.

But this is not the reason why Atleti were the least-liked opponent for Barcelona. Although history has favoured Barça, Atletico Madrid, under Diego Simeone, can appear as a daunting opposition in a cup contest due to their rigid defence.

That means any potential lead that Barcelona may concede could see Atletico Madrid try to hold the fort and defend that league.

Nevertheless, Barcelona will look to ignore previous results and history and continue playing the way they have been this season.

The Catalans will be particularly eager to continue their superb run this year and potentially set up an El Clasico showdown in the Copa del Rey final come May.