FC Barcelona
vs
Atletico Madrid
Kick-off
20:00 GMT
07 February 2017
Barcelona host Atletico as they look to secure their place in the 2016/17 Copa Del Rey Final. The Catalan giants go into the second leg of their semi-final with Atletico with a 2-1 lead and avoiding defeat will see them book their place in the final of the competition. Atletico will be hoping to overturn their one goal deficit at the Camp Nou against the current holders of the Copa Del Rey, a task that isn’t easy by anyone’s judgement.
The last meeting between the two sides was in the first leg of this semi-final and Barcelona managed to pick up a 2-1 away win at the Vicente Calderon. Barcelona have won all 5 of the meetings in the Copa Del Rey between them since 2009, which won’t bring much hope to Atelti fans.
Atletico will need to defend strongly against Barcelona and catch them on the break if they are to get anything out of this second leg. Their main keeper, Jan Oblak, will miss the game through a shoulder injury and Jose Gimenez will miss out at centre-back. Their centre midfield choices are very limited as well as Tiago, Gabi and Augusto Fernandez are all unavailable for selection for Tuesday night’s game.
Barcelona just need to hold onto their lead from the first leg to set up a final with either Alaves or Celta Vigo. Their task won’t be helped by the absence of superstar, Neymar, who is suspended for the game. They are also without Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Rafinha in the centre-midfield spot as well as Lucas Digne at left-back.
After a good win in the first leg, it is certainly Barcelona’s tie to lose at this stage but with a lot of key players missing through various injuries and suspensions, Atletico might fancy their chances. However, with several injuries and suspensions for themselves as well, Diego Simeone will have to conjure up another of his tactical masterclasses to see his side over the line in this one. It has the making to be a Copa Del Rey classic.
07 February 2017 - 20:00 GMT
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