Red-Hot Barcelona Set to Face Atletico Madrid in Copa del Rey Semifinal
Red-hot Barcelona will take on Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. The Catalan giants are currently leading the La Liga table and are among the top favorites to win both the European and domestic cup competitions. Barcelona’s recent form has been nothing short of stellar, with a 13-match unbeaten run across all competitions, last interrupted by a 2-1 defeat to Diego Simeone’s Atleti in league play back in December. The match at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium is not just a test of form but also a chance for Barcelona to exact revenge and solidify their position as favorites in the treble chase.
A Brutal Run of Fixtures for Atletico Madrid
While Barcelona’s confidence is sky-high, Atletico Madrid is about to embark on a grueling six-week stretch of fixtures that will test their mettle. Over the next few weeks, Atleti will face Barcelona three times and Real Madrid twice, making this Copa del Rey semifinal just the beginning of a challenging period. The Madrid club has been known for their resilience under Simeone, but the sheer frequency and intensity of these matches could take its toll. For Atleti, each game will be a battle, and they will need to be at their best to have a chance against the rampant Barcelona.
Expert Predictions and Betting Insights
Sporting News football betting expert Kyle Bonn shares his insights, predicting a Barcelona victory with a score of 2-1. Bonn has had a successful year with a 55.1% correct prediction rate and a total profit of 34.3 units since the start of 2024. The odds favor Barcelona to win with a -145 moneyline lean, while a draw is set at +310, and an Atletico Madrid win at +360. The over/under is set at 3.5 goals, with the under favored at -185. Despite the recent upset, Bonn believes that Barcelona’s form and the tough schedule ahead for Atleti make the home favorite a safe bet.
Raphinha’s Role in the Ballon d’Or Race
The Ballon d’Or race is heating up, and Brazilian forward Raphinha is making a strong case for his inclusion. Although his end-product in league play has slowed somewhat, his underlying production remains strong. Raphinha has been a key player in Barcelona’s attack, especially against Atletico Madrid. In his last five games against the Madrid club, he has recorded three assists, and in their most recent meeting, he tallied five shots and four chances created. Nearly even-money odds for a goal contribution in this match make Raphinha a good pick, especially given his recent form against Atleti.
Lewandowski’s Consistent Threat
Robert Lewandowski, the Polish frontman, continues to be a focal point in Barcelona’s attack. Under manager Hansi Flick, Barcelona is averaging 16.5 shots per match in La Liga, and Lewandowski is a central figure in this deluge of offensive pressure. He has recorded 80 shots this season, with 36 on target, a strong 45% conversion rate. In his last three matches against Atletico Madrid, Lewandowski has taken 13 shots but only managed to put three on frame. Given Barcelona’s recent prolific form, there should be plenty of opportunities for Lewandowski to test Atleti’s goalkeeper, Juan Musso. A prop bet on Lewandowski to have 2+ shots on target at +115 odds (FanDuel) looks promising.
Match Facts and Key Information
The first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will take place on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain. The kickoff time is 9:30 p.m. local (3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT). The referee for the match will be Alejandro Hernandez. In their last meeting, Atletico Madrid emerged victorious with a 2-1 win in La Liga on December 21, 2024. Both teams are expected to bring their A-game, with Barcelona looking to assert their dominance and Atletico Madrid aiming to defend their recent victory.
