Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid – Copa del Rey semifinal: Time, team news

Barcelona will attempt to overturn a 4-0 first-leg deficit when they welcome Atletico Madrid to Camp Nou on Tuesday, March 3, for the decisive second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal (kick-off 9 p.m. local/20:00 GMT). Al Jazeera Sport’s live build-up begins at 17:30 GMT ahead of minute-by-minute coverage.

Hansi Flick’s side, who lead La Liga and are scoring freely, must produce one of the competition’s greatest comebacks after being dismantled in Madrid four weeks ago. An early Eric Garcia back-pass error, a slick Antoine Griezmann finish and a brace from Julian Alvarez left the Catalans shell-shocked before the break, and a disallowed Pau Cubarsi strike was as close as they came to a consolation.

Since that chastening night, Barcelona have responded with a 4-1 rout of third-placed Villarreal in which 18-year-old Lamine Yamal became the youngest player in La Liga history to score a hat-trick, according to Opta. “He’s exceptional,” Flick said of the winger, who turned the game with a dazzling solo effort. “When he enjoys his football, it’s perfect for him and for us.”

Yet the task remains monumental. Atletico, who edged Real Oviedo 1-0 on Saturday thanks to Alvarez’s 94th-minute winner, have lost only once in their last five in all competitions and will look to hit on the counter through the in-form Argentine and Ademola Lookman, architect of two first-leg goals.

Diego Simeone’s men are unbeaten at Camp Nou since a 2-1 defeat in December 2024 and know a single away goal would leave Barcelona needing six. “We have Julian, recognised worldwide,” Simeone said. “Hopefully he can give us everything he’s got.”

Team news is mixed for the hosts. Robert Lewandowski (fractured eye socket), Eric Garcia (suspended) and long-term absentees Frenkie de Jong and Andreas Christensen are out, while Gavi is still building fitness after eight months sidelined. Raphinha, Pedri and Marcus Rashford have recovered and are expected to start, with Ferran Torres set to lead the line.

Atletico will be without Johnny Cardoso (hamstring) and Pablo Barrios (thigh), but Simeone otherwise has a full squad, including Alexander Sorloth, whose late winner in December remains fresh in Catalan minds.

The victor will meet either Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao in the April final in Seville. Sociedad take a 1-0 lead into Wednesday’s second leg at Reale Arena.

Barcelona’s projected XI: Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martín, Balde; Pedri, Olmo; Yamal, López, Raphinha; Torres.

Atletico’s projected XI: Musso; Ruggeri, Hancko, Pubill, Molina; G. Simeone, Koke, Llorente, Lookman; Alvarez, Sorloth.