Key semifinals in Copa del Rey: Madrid’s giants and Barcelona face off to determine finalists
What: Spanish Copa del Rey – semifinals, second leg
Where: Madrid, Spain
When: Tuesday, April 1 and Wednesday, April 2
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Barcelona and Real Madrid are shifting their focus to the Copa del Rey second-leg semifinals midweek, setting aside the LaLiga title race for now.
First, Real Madrid will host Real Sociedad in a match to be held at the renowned Bernabeu for the first semifinal. Across town, Atletico Madrid will attempt to outshine Barcelona at Metropolitano Stadium during the second semifinal, with the current LaLiga leaders seeking to assert their dominance.
Current Standings After the First Leg Semin-finals:
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad (1st leg – February 26):
Real Madrid managed a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad at the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian. Endrick scored the game’s only goal during the first half.
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona (1st leg – February 25):
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid battled to a thrilling 4-4 draw. Atletico took a two-goal lead in the first six minutes but then conceded four unanswered goals. However, they clawed their way back, with Alexander Sorloth scoring the equalizer three minutes into stoppage time.
Semin-final Second Leg Schedule:
- Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad: April 1 at 19:30 GMT
- Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona: April 2 at 19:30 GMT
About Copa del Rey:
- The Copa del Rey is Spain’s oldest national football competition, established in 1903.
- Barcelona holds the most titles with 31, followed by Athletic Bilbao with 24, and Real Madrid with 20.
- Victory in the Copa del Rey is as prestigious to Spanish clubs as winning the FA Cup is to teams in England.
Significance for Madrid and Barcelona:
Both clubs could achieve a triple in the 2024-25 season with potential victories in LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League.
Possible Lineups – Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad:
Real Madrid: Possible: Lunin, Vazquez, Asensio, Rudiger, F Garcia, Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.
Real Sociedad: Possible: Remiro, Traore, Zubeldia, Elustondo, Munoz, Sucic, Zubimendi, Marin, Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea.
Possible Lineups – Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona:
Atletico Madrid: Possible: Oblak, Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Azpilicueta, Simeone, Gallagher, Lino, Alvarez, Griezmann.
Barcelona: Possible: Szczesny, Kounde, Araujo, Martinez, Balde, Gavi, Pedri, Yamal, de Jong, Raphinha, Lewandowski.
Last Copa Wins:
- Real Madrid – 2023
- Barcelona – 2021
- Real Sociedad – 2020
- Atletico Madrid – 2013
The Copa Final:
The Copa del Rey final will be held in Seville on April 26.
