Three talking points ahead of Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona | Copa del Rey | OneFootball

The calendar for Barcelona may be ruthless, but there is nothing the Blaugrana can do if they wish to stay alive in all competitions.

The games are coming thick and fast towards them and they now stare at their third game in just over a week tomorrow night as they take to the field against Atletico Madrid away at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg.

Barcelona’s two games against the Colchoneros at home this season did not quite go to plan, but they did win on the one occasion that they locked horns at the Metropolitano.

Tomorrow night, they must break free from the shackles of the 4-4 draw and come out all guns blazing if they are to beat Diego Simeone’s men and book a place in the Copa del Rey finale.

Barça Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona.

One last time against Cholo

No team has given Barcelona as much trouble as Atletico Madrid this season and it took them three games as a stupendous comeback to register their first win over Los Rojiblancos when they last met.

The Blaugrana were 2-0 down in their most recent game and on course to lose the game until a dramatic turnaround saw them score four times in 20 minutes to take three important points in La Liga.

Tomorrow’s game will be the final time Barcelona will lock horns with Los Rojiblancos this season and a win will not be easy if the previous meetings this season are anything to go by.

Gifted with the home advantage for the crucial second leg, Atletico Madrid will not back down and will put up a stiff fight in their battle for the only title they are still competing for.

Given that Barcelona were poor in converting chances the last three times they faced Atletico Madrid, efficiency will be key tomorrow night.

The objective, needless to say, will be to seal the game quickly and put the result to bed. After all, there is a hectic schedule ahead, and conserving energy is of paramount importance.

The fresh legs

Ready to start. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

While Barcelona have indeed played two games in the last week already, the manager has done well to rotate the squad and keep crucial players fit. Needless to say, Flick will hope to reap the rewards tomorrow night.

For starters, Raphinha played no part in both of the team’s last two games and will be raring to go, fresh after a much-needed break. Having him back, needless to say, will potentiate the attack.

Further, Flick rested Alejandro Balde, Frenkie de Jong and Pau Cubarsi against Girona, all of whom are expected to return to the starting lineup against Atletico Madrid. With all of them relatively fresh, Barcelona will look rejuvenated.

As relayed earlier today, moreover, the coach is also planning to change the system and utilize Ferran Torres as the starting striker on the night.

With him dropping and combining in the buildup with Raphinha, Yamal, and Pedri, the Catalans can also expect increased dynamism and mobility in the final third to break down Atleti’s defence.

Title within sight

The Spanish Super Cup was the first title Barcelona won in the Hansi Flick era and it came in dream fashion, beating Real Madrid humiliatingly in the final.

The Copa del Rey could well be the second title the German tactician adds to his kitty with Barcelona and a large part of it depends on tomorrow’s result.

180 minutes is all that separates Barcelona from the Cup title, 90 of which will be against an opponent they could not get the better of in the first leg. Given how driven the team is towards success and silverware, there should be no dearth of motivation tomorrow.

90 flawless minutes will gift Barcelona a place in the final where they could well face Real Madrid once more.

It never is given against Los Blancos, but Flick’s men will believe in their ability to find a way past the defending European champions given their previous two meetings this season.

Tomorrow’s game is not just about keeping the Copa del Rey dream alive but a big step towards the domestic double dream, the treble dream and the dream of keeping the fabulous 2025 going.