Atletico Madrid Handed Crucial Boost Before Copa del Rey Semifinal Against Barcelona
Atletico Madrid has secured a pivotal advantage ahead of their highly anticipated Copa del Rey semifinal clash against Barcelona, scheduled for Thursday, February 12, 2026. The two Spanish football giants are set to compete in the first leg at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, with the return leg at Camp Nou on March 3, 2026.
Barcelona's Injury Crisis Ahead of Crucial Match
Barcelona will enter the semifinal significantly weakened, as the club confirmed through an official statement on social media platform X that forward Marcus Rashford has been ruled out due to knee pain sustained during a recent match against Mallorca. This adds to a growing list of absentees for head coach Hansi Flick.
During his pre-match press conference, Flick acknowledged the challenging situation, stating, "We’ve had a few problems. Rashford isn’t ready. He took a hit against Mallorca. It’s not good news, but I have complete confidence in my team." The German manager confirmed that five key players will miss the trip to Madrid.
Long-term injuries have sidelined Andreas Christensen, Gavi, and Pedri, while Raphinha, who was hopeful for a return, requires additional recovery time. Flick emphasized the importance of these players, noting, "We have to look after him [Raphinha] because he’s a player who gives everything and plays with great intensity. It’s a situation I don’t like because we need him. Just as we need Pedri, Gavi, Andreas and Marcus."
Atletico's Path to the Semifinal and Lookman's Impact
Atletico Madrid earned their semifinal spot with a commanding 5-0 victory over Real Betis in the quarter-finals. In contrast, Barcelona secured their place with a narrower 2-1 win against second-tier side Albacete. The match will mark a significant test for Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, who joined Atletico Madrid at the beginning of the month.
Lookman made an immediate impact on his debut, scoring and providing an assist in the quarter-final victory, though Atletico later suffered a league defeat to the same opponent. Atletico head coach Diego Simeone remained tight-lipped when questioned about his discussions with the Nigerian international ahead of the crucial match, offering a sharp refusal to disclose details as reported by Marca.
Historical Context and Travel Disruptions
Interestingly, Barcelona had previously rejected opportunities to sign Lookman twice before he ultimately joined their rivals Atletico Madrid. The forward had been seeking a move from Atalanta since the summer of 2024, but Barcelona overlooked him on both occasions.
Adding to Barcelona's challenges, adverse weather conditions forced the team to alter their travel plans, arriving in Madrid on Wednesday evening, just 24 hours before the match. This disruption could impact their preparation and focus ahead of the high-stakes encounter.
The Copa del Rey semifinal promises to be a thrilling contest, with Atletico Madrid leveraging their home advantage and Barcelona grappling with significant squad limitations. All eyes will be on Ademola Lookman as he faces his biggest test yet in Spanish football.
