Quick Read
- Barcelona faces Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
- The match is a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s dramatic semifinal, which Barcelona won with stoppage-time goals from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres.
- Barcelona is defending its Copa del Rey title, having won its 32nd trophy last year.
- The game will be played at Atlético Madrid’s Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium in Madrid.
- Broadcast options include ESPN Select (US), ITV4 (UK), and Sky Sports (Mexico).
MADRID (Azat TV) – Barcelona is set to reignite its fierce rivalry with Atlético Madrid this Thursday, February 12, 2026, in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal. This highly anticipated clash echoes last year’s dramatic encounter, where Barcelona secured their place in the final with crucial stoppage-time goals from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, ultimately paving the way for their 32nd Copa del Rey title. As the Catalans embark on their title defense, the stakes are exceptionally high against a formidable Atlético side.
The match, scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. GMT (3 p.m. ET), will take place at Atlético’s home ground, the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium in Madrid. Barcelona, currently leading La Liga, enters the semifinal after comfortable victories against lower-tier teams, including Guadalajara, Racing Santander, and Albacete. However, the challenge significantly escalates with Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid, who dismantled Real Betis 5–0 on their path to the semifinals, having previously overcome Deportivo La Coruña and Atlético Baleares.
Anticipation Builds for Copa del Rey Semifinal
The upcoming fixture marks a pivotal moment for both clubs, particularly for Barcelona, who are aiming for consecutive Copa del Rey finals for the first time this decade. The memory of last year’s thrilling semifinal, which Barcelona won 5-4 on aggregate, adds an extra layer of intensity to this year’s contest. Coaches from both sides have emphasized a ‘step by step’ approach, acknowledging the quality of their opponent and the demanding nature of a two-legged tie that will extend beyond 180 minutes.
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona will look to replicate their past success, with a potential lineup featuring key players such as Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Ferran Torres, who proved decisive in last season’s critical moments. Atlético Madrid, under the veteran guidance of Diego Simeone, is expected to field a strong side including Jan Oblak in goal and crucial midfielders like Koke and Marcos Llorente, aiming to leverage their home advantage in the first leg.
Key Players and Broadcast Information for Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid
Fans eager to watch the match can find various broadcast options depending on their region. In the United States, the game will be available on ESPN Select and the ESPN App, with fuboTV also providing coverage for subscribers. Viewers in the United Kingdom can tune into ITV4 or stream via ITVX. For supporters in Mexico, Sky Sports Mexico and Sky+ are the designated platforms. Unfortunately, no broadcasts are currently scheduled for Canada, according to reports from Sports Illustrated FC.
Barcelona’s potential starting XI includes Joan García; Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, Alejandro Balde, Jules Kounde; Marc Casadó, Dani Olmo, Fermín López; Robert Lewandowski, Marcus Rashford, and Lamine Yamal. For Atlético Madrid, the projected lineup features Jan Oblak; David Hancko, José María Giménez, Matteo Ruggeri; Marcos Llorente, Koke, Rodrigo Mendoza, Thiago Almada; Giuliano Simeone, Ademola Lookman, and Julián Álvarez, as reported by Vavel.com.
Looking Ahead for Barcelona’s Schedule
Following this crucial Copa del Rey encounter, Barcelona will return to La Liga action on Monday, February 16, with an away match against Girona. This will be their first midweek break since early January, with their next fixture scheduled for February 22, when they host struggling Levante. The second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal against Atlético Madrid is slated for the first midweek of March, providing ample time for both teams to strategize after Thursday’s initial clash.
The outcome of this first leg will undoubtedly set the tone for Barcelona’s Copa del Rey title defense, with the memory of last season’s dramatic victory serving as both inspiration and a reminder of Atlético Madrid’s persistent challenge.