Copa del Rey: Can Atletico Madrid stop unstoppable Barcelona? | OneFootball

Barcelona’s season is reaching a decisive moment, and their Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid could shape the final stretch.

With the tie finely poised at 4-4 from the first leg, this match is a test of their title credentials.

Momentum is firmly on their side. Since losing to Atletico in December, Barcelona have gone unbeaten in 20 matches across all competitions.

They are top of La Liga, through to the Champions League quarter-finals, and one step away from their first Copa del Rey final since 2021.

Hansi Flick’s team has been relentless in attack. A 3-0 win over Osasuna was followed by a dominant 4-1 victory against Girona, with Robert Lewandowski scoring twice and Ferran Torres adding another.

Their tally of 139 goals in 45 matches this season is unmatched in Spain. Flick knows how crucial this game is.

“It’s like a final before the final,” he said. “We are proud of this team. It’s not by luck that we’ve got this far – we deserve it.”

Atletico are fighting to save their season. Knocked out of the Champions League and fading in La Liga, the Copa del Rey is their last real chance at silverware.Their recent form has been disastrous. A 4-2 loss to Barcelona in La Liga was followed by a 1-1 draw with Espanyol, extending their winless run to three league matches.

Simeone’s team remains dangerous. Although they have not progressed from their last three Copa del Rey semi-finals, they salvaged a 4-4 draw at Montjuic last month. Flick expects a battle.

“They have a fantastic coach – they know what they are playing for,” he added. “They are there until the last minute – it will be very difficult.”

Barcelona will not underestimate them, but they have every reason to believe. They have won on their last three visits to Atletico and have the firepower to hurt them again.

There is no room for hesitation with a potential final against Real Madrid or Real Sociedad on the line. Barcelona have been in relentless form. Now, they must prove it when it matters most.