Rabat – Barcelona host Atletico Madrid tonight at Camp Nou in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg. The tie looked even before the first game, but Atletico stunned everyone with a 4-0 win in Madrid, scoring all four goals before halftime.
That result leaves Barcelona needing a near-miracle comeback.
Coach Hansi Flick says his team must “make the impossible possible.” Recent form offers some hope; Barcelona have scored seven goals in their last two matches, including a hat trick from Lamine Yamal against Villarreal.
Still, Atletico know the situation favors them. Even one away goal tonight would make Barcelona’s task almost impossible.
🚨 JUST IN: Around 550 million people worldwide are expected to tune in for Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid tonight.
That’s more than the last 4 Super Bowls… combined pic.twitter.com/uYWRsRuonM
— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) March 3, 2026
Match Details:
Fixture: Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid
Competition: Copa del Rey (Semi-final, second leg)
Venue: Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona
Kick-off: 8:00 p.m. GMT / 9:00 p.m. CET, Tuesday, March 3
How to watch: beIN Sports (MENA), RTVE/La 1 in Spain, ESPN platforms in the USA.
Barcelona Team News
Injuries/Suspensions: Barcelona are missing several important players. Robert Lewandowski is out with a fractured eye socket, while Frenkie de Jong faces around six weeks on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.
Eric Garcia is suspended after his red card in the first leg. Andreas Christensen and Gavi also remain unavailable.
Returns/Doubts: There is some positive news. Pedri, Raphinha, and Marcus Rashford are back in the squad, and Marc Casado has recovered from illness.
Recent Form: Barcelona remain top of La Liga with 64 points and have scored 71 goals, the best attacking record in the league. Despite the first-leg collapse against Atletico, they have responded with energy and goals in recent matches.
Key Players: Lamine Yamal is the standout threat after his hat trick against Villarreal. Pedri and Raphinha add creativity and control in midfield. Without Lewandowski, more responsibility in attack could fall on Ferran Torres or Rashford.
Probable XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, Casadó; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Ferran Torres.
Atletico Madrid Team News
Injuries/Suspensions: Atletico’s main absence is Pablo Barrios, who remains sidelined. Nico Gonzalez has also been a doubt in the build-up to the game.
Recent Form: Atletico are third in La Liga, 13 points behind Barcelona, but they remain in a strong position overall. They are still competing in Europe and are now one step away from the Copa del Rey final.
Diego Simeone has warned his players to stay disciplined and not relax despite the 4-0 advantage from the first leg.
Key Players: Antoine Griezmann is Key to Atletico’s attack, linking transitions and creating danger. Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth provide a direct threat if Barcelona leaves space behind.
Probable XI: Oblak; Molina, Gimenez, Le Normand, Ruggeri; Simeone, Koke, Llorente, Baena; Griezmann, Alvarez.
What to Expect
Barcelona are expected to attack from the start. Coach Hansi Flick has said the comeback must be built step by step, which means pressing high and trying to score early.
Atletico can take a different approach. With a 4-0 lead from the first leg, they can stay compact, absorb pressure, and look to counter, the same plan that worked perfectly in Madrid.
For Barcelona, the situation is clear: they need a near-perfect performance to have any chance. Atletico don’t need to chase the game, and that makes them even more dangerous.
Safe Bets and Prediction
Both Teams to Score – Yes: Barcelona must attack, and Atletico are strong on the counter.
Over 2.5 Goals: The first leg ended 4-0, and this second leg should also open up.
Lamine Yamal to Score or Assist: He is Barcelona’s main threat right now.
Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Atletico Madrid: Atletico advance 5-3 on aggregate.
