Copa Clash: Lookman leads Atletico charge against Barcelona
Ademola Lookman is set for a high-stakes showdown at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, as Atletico Madrid welcome cup holders Barcelona for the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final
Ademola Lookman is set for a high-stakes showdown at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, as Atletico Madrid welcome cup holders Barcelona for the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final today.
Barely a week after a dream debut—scoring in the 5-0 quarter-final demolition of Real Betis—the Nigerian international now faces the ultimate litmus test. While Lookman has hit the ground running, Atletico’s form has been a rollercoaster; despite their cup heroics, they suffered a narrow 1-0 league defeat to Betis just last Saturday.
Diego Simeone’s Rojiblancos have ground out results to reach this stage, including a gritty 3-2 aggregate win over Atlético Baleares and a disciplined 1-0 victory over Deportivo de La Coruña. However, their 5-0 explosion against Betis last week—featuring goals from Hancko, Giuliano, Griezmann, Almada, and Lookman—suggests they are finding their clinical edge at the right time.
Barcelona’s path has been more methodical, securing narrow wins over Guadalajara (2-0), Racing Club (2-1), and Albacete (2-1) to keep their title defense alive.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Diego Simeone dismissed any doubts about his squad's ability to topple the La Liga leaders.
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"I always have faith—not just for tomorrow," Simeone told reporters. "It’s a trait we’ve managed to convey to the team. This is our third semi-final, and we know there is only one way to reach that final: by believing in what we create."
Hansi Flick travels to Madrid with a depleted frontline. Barcelona will be without both Raphinha and Marcus Rashford for the first leg. Raphinha remains sidelined with a persistent thigh strain, while Rashford is nursing a knee injury sustained during Barca’s 3-0 win over Real Mallorca.
"Marcus is not able to play; it’s painful and we have to be careful," Flick admitted. "It is not good news, but I believe in my team. In difficult situations, we grow."
Regarding Raphinha, Flick emphasized a cautious approach: "He plays with such high intensity that when he feels something, we have to take a step back. I’m not happy because we need him, but we must go step-by-step."
This marks the ninth time these heavyweights have met in a Copa del Rey semi-final. Last year, Barcelona edged the tie 5-4 on aggregate.
The return leg is scheduled for March 3rd at the Spotify Camp Nou. The winner will head to Seville for the final on April 18/19 to face either Athletic Club or Real Sociedad.
