"Atlético return to familiar territory in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, facing the same opponent that denied them a place in last year's final. In that tie, a frenetic 4-4 draw in the first leg was followed by a narrow 1-0 defeat at the Camp Nou, sending Barcelona through to lift the trophy. This time around, Atlético's route to the last four included a resounding 5-0 demolition of Real Betis in the quarter-finals-one of their strongest performances of the campaign."
"However, their momentum stalled immediately afterwards, as they fell 1-0 to Betis in the league just days later. That loss highlighted their recent inconsistency: Simeone's men have won only two of their last five outings across all competitions, drawing once and losing twice. In La Liga, they sit third with 45 points-but a sizeable 13-point deficit to leaders Barcelona means their title hopes are hanging in the balance."
Atlético Madrid host Barcelona at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg. Atlético seek revenge after a 4-4 first-leg draw and 1-0 defeat to Barcelona in last season's semi. Atlético reached the last four after a 5-0 quarter-final win over Real Betis but then lost 1-0 to Betis in the league, highlighting inconsistency. Atlético have won two of their last five matches and sit third in La Liga with 45 points, 13 behind leaders Barcelona. Marc Pubill may return; Nicolás González is doubtful; Johnny Cardoso and Pablo Barrios are injured. Barcelona arrive on a six-match winning run, scoring at least twice in each win.
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