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.

STATS

• After only 1 in their last 5 games across all competitions, Atletico will need to turn that form around if they want to get anything out of this big game. Although they have managed to get to the semi-final, they have already lost 2 games so far in this season’s competition, the first came away at Las Palmas (3-2) and the second in the first leg of this semi-final against Barcelona.
• Barcelona have won 7 out of their last 8 games across all competitions and have shown imperious form to get themselves into the semi-final of the Copa Del Rey. Although, like Atletico, they have also lost one game before their semi-final match-up and it came at the hands of Athletic Bilbao, who had 2 players sent off in that game. Their 2-1 advantage gives them great hope of reaching another major final.
• Only one player has scored more goals than Angel Correa in the Copa Del Rey, his 4 goals so far have been vital for getting Atletico into the semi-final. Antoine Griezmann is Atletico’s joint top scorer in the cup, also scoring 4 goals.
• Lionel Messi and Arda Turan also both have 4 goals and they have been vital for their cup run. It’s no surprise that Luis Suarez has also chipped with 3 goals of his own.

HEAD TO HEAD

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.

ATL. MADRID NEWS

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 NEWS

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.

SUMMING UP!

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.