Barcelona and Atletico Madrid pick up proceedings where they left off more than a month ago. The previous fixture in the Copa del Rey at the Camp Nou saw both teams score four goals.
Atletico Madrid started off a thrilling encounter with a 2-0 early on in the first half. They soon found themselves behind before the end of 90 minutes.
Barcelona’s fluid attack saw them put four past Jan Oblak despite being behind in the first 20 minutes. Atletico had to find a way to dig themselves out of the hole they found themselves.
Luckily, they drew level in the dying minutes of the second half. Sorloth’s late goal put the scoreline at 4-4 with everything to play for in the second leg.
In this return leg, Atletico host Barcelona at home and they will be relying on the home crowd and defensive strategies of Simeone to pull through against a freely scoring Barcelona.
Since the meeting of both sides in the Copa del Rey, Barca have been in good form. They have won all six games and even beat Atletico in the process.
For Atletico, it’s the opposite. They have managed one win and one draw in all six games. They have also lost 4-2 to Barcelona in the league and were eliminated by rivals Real Madrid in the Champions League.
With the Champions League out of reach and the La Liga slipping further away, a loss in the Copa del Rey means Simeone’s men may go trophyless this season.
Hansi Flick on the other hand can rely on the front three of Raphina, Lewandoski and Yamal who are in red hot form. Atletico need a win to bounce back while for Barca, this match is about full dominance to Spain.
Who walks home with a chance to play Real Madrid in the finals? Only 90 minutes or maybe 120 minutes will tell.
