"While Madrid were dumped out of Spain's domestic run in the round of 16, suffering a dramatic 3-2 defeat to second-tier Albacete last month, Barca are preparing for a two-legged tie against Atletico Madrid. Ahead of Thursday's first leg at the Estadio Metropolitano, Barca have faced third-tier Guadalajara, second-tier leaders Racing Santander and Madrid's conquerors Albacete in this season's Copa del Rey."
""It was the right response. We have to respect the Segunda teams. "Last year we played in Barbastro, then Betis and Valencia, and the results were better than this year. "It was the same at Albacete and Santander. We have to respect those teams. It's the Copa, and they showed quality. They were able to beat Primera teams. "For me, it doesn't make sense to fight Madrid. It suits you, but it doesn't suit me. It only serves to waste energy, and I don't like it.""
Barcelona reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals after facing third-tier Guadalajara, second-tier leaders Racing Santander and Albacete, and now prepare for a two-legged tie with Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Metropolitano. Critics suggested Barcelona had an easier route, but Real Madrid's elimination by Albacete underscored the threat from Segunda teams. The club stressed respect for smaller opponents, citing past cup trips to Barbastro, Betis and Valencia. Marcus Rashford will miss the trip to Madrid with a left knee knock. Atletico's recent 5-0 quarter-final win over Real Betis signals a tough semi-final challenge.
Read at Soccer News
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