FC Barcelona's possible opponents in the Copa del Rey semi-finals
A new round is upon us. The Copa del Rey has reached the semi-finals, with the four best teams in the competition now confirmed. After a thrilling quarter-final stage, FC Barcelona are about to discover their next opponent as they continue their journey towards the final at La Cartuja. All the remaining sides are from the top flight: Athletic Club, Real Sociedad and Atlético Madrid.
Tough opponents
The semi-finals have brought together four top-quality teams. First up, FC Barcelona, who edged past a battling Albacete Balompié 2-1 thanks to goals from Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araújo. The reigning Copa del Rey champions are now waiting to find out who they will face next.
The second side through was Athletic Club, who also won 2-1 away, in their case at Valencia, courtesy of an own goal by Umar Sadiq and a dramatic 96th-minute winner from Iñaki Williams. The Lions are the second most successful club in Copa del Rey history with 24 titles, behind only Barça’s 32, and the team currently coached by former Barça boss Ernesto Valverde are always a tough opponent.
Third are Real Sociedad. Since the arrival of Pellegrino Matarazzo, the Basque side have been revitalised. After a very inconsistent start to the season, the new coach appears to have found the right formula. In the quarter-finals they overcame Deportivo Alavés 3-2 in a thrilling match that included a comeback, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, Gonçalo Guedes and Óskarsson.
The final team to book their place were Atlético de Madrid, who all but sealed qualification in the first half, going in 3-0 up at the break. Goals from David Hancko, Giuliano Simeone and debutant Ademola Lookman left the tie virtually decided against the green-and-whites. In the second half, Griezmann and Almada sealed the big win.
Draw on Friday
With all four teams confirmed, attention now turns to the pairings. The Copa del Rey semi-final draw will take place this Friday 6 February, at 1pm CET at the headquarters of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). It will be an open draw, with no restrictions, and will also determine the order of the two-legged ties.
Barça will therefore soon discover the penultimate hurdle on their road to the final, and their chance to defend the trophy.