Atletico Madrid will meet FC Barcelona in the semi finals of the 2025-26 Copa del Rey, setting up a major clash between the Spanish giants and offering Nigerian international Ademola Lookman the chance to test himself against Barcelona stars such as Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski.
The first leg of the tie is set to be played at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano between February 10-12, with the return leg scheduled for March 3-5 at Camp Nou.
Atletico booked their place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals with an emphatic 5–0 victory over Real Betis in the quarter-finals, where Lookman made an instant impact by scoring and providing an assist on his debut for the club.
The Nigerian forward, recently signed from Serie A side Atalanta, has added firepower to Diego Simeone’s side and will be central to Atletico’s hopes against a Barcelona team brimming with talent.
Barcelona progressed to the semi-finals with a 2–1 win over Albacete in the quarter finals, with teenager Lamine Yamal and defender Ronald Araujo getting the goals that sealed their spot in the last four.
The Catalans remain one of Spain’s most successful cup sides and will pose a formidable challenge for Atletico, with world class players like Yamal and Lewandowski expected to lead their attack.
Atletico Madrid have been dealt a blow with midfielder Pablo Barrios ruled out of at least the first leg of the semi-final due to a right thigh injury, adding a selection concern for Diego Simeone ahead of the showdown with Barcelona.
Barrios’ absence could shift Atletico’s midfield dynamics, but the Spanish club still possesses depth and experience to compete against a challenging Barcelona lineup.
Editorial
The Copa del Rey semi final draw sets up one of Spanish football’s most intriguing ties Atletico Madrid against Barcelona. For Nigerian fans, Ademola Lookman’s presence adds a compelling subplot the chance to see a Super Eagles star pit his skills against some of Europe’s elite attackers like Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski.
Lookman’s rapid integration into Atletico’s setup, marked by a goal and assist on his debut in the quarter finals, shows his readiness for high pressure matches. This semi final offers a platform not only to advance towards silverware but also to elevate his profile further in European football.
Barcelona will be a stern test given their strong form and squad depth. The tie over two legs promises a tactical battle where experience and big match temperament could prove decisive. Whether Lookman can influence the tie and help Atletico overturn history against Barcelona will be one of the key stories in the Copa del Rey’s penultimate round.
Did You Know?
- Ademola Lookman scored and assisted on his Atletico Madrid debut in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.
- FC Barcelona reached the semi-finals with a 2–1 win over Albacete, with Lamine Yamal scoring the opener.
- The Copa del Rey semi final ties are scheduled between February 10-12 and March 3-5, 2026.
- Atletico Madrid will host the first leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
- Pablo Barrios is ruled out of at least the first leg of Atletico’s semi-final clash due to injury.
