Get ready for an electrifying clash as Atlético Madrid hosts Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals! The Riyadh Air Metropolitano, a stadium that needs no introduction, will be buzzing with excitement as these two giants of Spanish football go head-to-head.
A Battle for Glory
Barcelona, aiming for a strong result, will be looking to take control of the tie before the second leg at their iconic Camp Nou stadium. But here's where it gets controversial... Can they overcome the home advantage of Atlético Madrid, who will be backed by their passionate fans in the Spanish capital?
Let's dive into the team news and get you ready for this mouth-watering encounter.
Team Lineups
Barcelona:
- Starting XI: Joan; Kounde, Cubarsí, Eric, Balde; Casadó, De Jong; Yamal, Fermín, Olmo; Ferran (4-2-3-1)
- Subs: Szczesny, Kochen, Araujo, Martín, Cancelo, Jofre, Bernal, Tommy, Juan, Roony, Lewandowski
Atlético Madrid:
- Starting XI: Musso; Molina, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Llorente, Koke, Lookman; Alvarez, Griezmann (4-4-2)
- Subs: Oblak, Esquivel, Giménez, Lenglet, Le Normand, Mendoza, Baena, Vargas, Nico, Sorloth, Almada
Match Details:
- Competition/Round: 2025-26 Copa del Rey, Semi-Finals, 1st Leg
- Date/Time: Thursday, February 12, 2026, 9 pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 8 pm GMT (UK), 3 pm ET, 12 pm PT (USA), 1.30 am IST (India, Friday)
- Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain
- Referee: Juan Martínez Munuera
- VAR: Pablo González Fuertes
How to Watch:
- TV: Not Available (USA), ITV4 (UK), Sporty TV (Nigeria), TVE La 1 (Spain), and more (https://www.livesoccertv.com/match/atletico-madrid-vs-barcelona/1ajk8#5549065)
- Online: ESPN+ (https://plus.espn.com/soccer?irclickid=UrHxTnXBxxyLRdpQnaXCYQevUkByHrR5V36f2g0&irgwc=1&ex_cid=DSS-Affiliate-Impact-Content-Vox%20Media-531511&cid=DSS-Affiliate-Impact-Content-Vox%20Media-531511) (USA), Premier Sports Player (UK), FanCode (India), RTVE Play (Spain), and other platforms (https://www.livesoccertv.com/match/atletico-madrid-vs-barcelona/1ajk8#5549065)
Matchday Thread Rules:
We want to keep the conversation civil and enjoyable for all. So, please refrain from excessive swearing, even if the referee's decisions leave you frustrated. Additionally, discussions about illegal streaming links are off the table. Those who persist will be warned, and repeat offenders will be banned. Lastly, let's maintain a friendly atmosphere. This is a Barcelona community, and we want to celebrate our team's spirit together.
Enjoy the game, and may the best team win! Forever and ever, VISCA EL BARÇA!
