Preview, form, head-to-head, team news, predicted line-ups and broadcast details for Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona clash at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano
Atlético Madrid and FC Barcelona are set to face each other on Thursday, February 12, in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. It is the opening chapter of a two-legged tie, with the return scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, in Barcelona, and both sides know a strong first night can shape everything that follows.
Barcelona arrive with momentum at the top of LaLiga, while Atlético are looking for a response after a frustrating weekend at home.
How the teams go into the game: form
Atlético’s build up has been complicated by a damaging 0-1 defeat at home to Real Betis on Sunday, a result that left Diego Simeone’s side still third but with less room for error in the league race.
The loss also sharpened the focus on the cup, where Atlético have a clear route to silverware if they can negotiate Barcelona across the two matches.
The Catalan side, by contrast, come into the semi-final on a high after a 3-0 win over Real Mallorca in LaLiga on Saturday.
It was the kind of professional performance that has kept them in front domestically, and it should help confidence as Hansi Flick’s side switch competitions and travel to the Spanish capital.
📈 Marcus Rashford joined Barcelona as a temporary solution, but his performances have quickly shifted the conversation about his future.
⚽️ The Manchester United loanee has 10 goals and 13 assists in 33 appearances for the Catalans. https://t.co/rzFQubuQOo #MUFC #FCBlive #FCB
— BBSportNews (@thebbsportnews) February 6, 2026
Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona: Head-to-head
The two teams faced each other in the Copa del Rey semi-finals last season, with Barcelona grabbing a 1-0 win on the road to clinch qualification by prevailing 5-4 on aggregate.
In the league, Barcelona hosted Los Rojiblancos back in December, with the Blaugrana grabbing a 3-1 comeback victory courtesy of goals from Raphinha, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres. In fact, Barcelona have won all their last three games against Atleti, whose last home victory over the Catalan side dates back in 2021.
Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona: Team news
Pablo Barrios and Johnny Cardoso are both doubtful for the hosts ahead of Thursday’s clash.
As for Barcelona, Pedri is expected to miss out through injury, but Raphinha could return to action after missing the last two games.
Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona: Predicted line-ups
Atlético Madrid predicted line-up: Musso; Llorente, Hancko, Pubill, Ruggeri; Simeone, Koke, Barrios, Baena; Lookman, Griezmann
Barcelona predicted line-up: Joan Garcia; Koundé, Eric García, Cubarsí, Baldé; López, Casadó; Yamal, Olmo, Rashford; Lewandowski
Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona: When and where to watch in US & UK
The first-leg Copa del Rey semi-final between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona will be played on Thursday at the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 CET, which corresponds to 20:00 pm GMT, while viewers in the United States can follow the match at 15:00 ET and 12:00 PT.
In the UK, live coverage will be available via Premier Sports, which holds the rights to Copa del Rey fixtures. In the United States, the match will be streamed on ESPN Select, fuboTV and ESPN App.