Atletico Madrid is set to host Spanish rival Barcelona at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano for the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final clash. This highly anticipated encounter sees Atletico Madrid, bolstered by the arrival of Ademola Lookman, seeking revenge after being eliminated by the Catalan giants at the same stage last season.

Facing Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-finals is a familiar challenge for Atletico Madrid, who suffered a 5-4 aggregate defeat to the Catalans last season. Atletico's journey to this semi-final included hard-fought victories over fourth-division side Atletico Baleares (3-2) in the round of 32, Deportivo La Coruna (1-0) in the round of 16, and a commanding 5-0 win against Betis in the quarter-finals. However, their recent form has been inconsistent, highlighted by a 1-0 home loss to Betis in La Liga. They also lost 3-1 to Barcelona in a league fixture in December, contributing to a record of just two wins, one draw, and two defeats in their last five matches across all competitions. Currently sitting third in the league with 45 points, 13 points behind leaders Barcelona, Atletico's La Liga title hopes are dwindling, making the Copa del Rey a crucial opportunity for silverware this season.

Barcelona, in stark contrast, arrives in formidable form, having secured six consecutive victories across all competitions, scoring at least twice in each match. Their path to the semi-finals saw them defeat CD Guadalajara (2-0) in the round of 32, Racing Santander (2-0) in the round of 16, and Albacete in the quarter-finals. Having already claimed the Spanish Super Cup this season, Hansi Flick's side remains in contention for multiple trophies, including progression to the Champions League last 16, topping the La Liga table, and eyeing another Copa del Rey final as part of a potential treble pursuit. The Blaugrana will be keen to secure an advantage in this first leg ahead of next month's return fixture.

Historically, Barcelona holds a psychological edge, having won the last three meetings between the two sides and remaining unbeaten in their last eight Copa del Rey clashes against Atletico Madrid.

Team news reveals significant injury concerns for both camps. For Atletico Madrid, Marc Pubill is a doubt due to illness but might return, while Nicolas Gonzalez is dealing with physical discomfort. Johnny Cardoso is sidelined with a muscle injury, and Pablo Barrios remains unavailable with a thigh injury. Barcelona faces a more extensive injury list, with Frenkie de Jong (groin), Andreas Christensen (cruciate ligament), Gavi (meniscus), and Pedri (hamstring) all out. Raphinha is also not yet fit enough to return from a thigh injury. Furthermore, Marcus Rashford has been officially ruled out of the clash after sustaining a knock to his left knee during the recent La Liga victory over Mallorca, a significant blow as he has become a key attacking figure since his loan arrival from Manchester United.

Considering the injuries, the possible starting lineups are anticipated as follows: Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Llorente, Pubill (if fit), Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Mendoza, Koke, Baena; Griezmann, Lookman. Barcelona: Garcia; Martin, Garcia, Araujo, Cancelo; Bernal, Olmo, Lopez; Torres, Yamal. Marcus Rashford's absence will notably impact Barcelona's offensive strategy.

Tactically, Atletico is expected to cede possession and aim to exploit Barcelona's high defensive line, a strategy they employed in their last encounter. Barcelona, conversely, will look to play between the lines, leveraging the trickery and pace of their wingers while maintaining their characteristic high defensive line. Barcelona are favorites to progress to the final for the second consecutive season. Betting tips suggest 'Both teams to score', 'Over 3.5 goals', and 'Barcelona to win', with a correct score prediction of Atletico Madrid 2-3 Barcelona.