Nigeria: Barcelona and Atletico Madrid set to clash in Copa del Rey Semi-final
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will face off in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey today, Tuesday with a spot in the cup final on the line. Barcelona is riding a 13-game unbeaten run and will be the more confident side heading into the match.
The Catalan club defeated Las Palmas 2-0 on Saturday, with goals from Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres, to maintain its top spot in the La Liga table. Barcelona previously beat Real Betis 5-1 in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals to advance to the semis.
Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, will be looking to repeat its 2-1 victory over Barcelona in their last meeting. Juan Musso is expected to start in goal, while Pablo Barrios will return from suspension to start in midfield. Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann are expected to start up top, with Alexander Sorloth relegated to the bench.
Barcelona (predicted lineup): Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK) Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Alejandro Balde – Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Gavi Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati.
Atletico Madrid (predicted lineup): Juan Musso (GK) Nahuel Molina, Jose Maria Gimenez, Robin Le Normand, Javi Galan Giuliano Simeone, Rodrigo De Paul, Pablo Barrios, Samuel Lino Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez.
