The Copa del Rey semifinals promise thrilling encounters as Barcelona prepares to face Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid takes on Real Sociedad. The semifinals, set to unfold over two legs on February 25-26 and April 1-2, will see Spain's football giants battle for a spot in the final. This marks the first time since 2014 that all three of Spain’s traditional powerhouses have advanced to the final four, with Real Sociedad joining them in the lineup.
Atletico Madrid, currently sitting second in LaLiga just one point ahead of Barcelona, last claimed the Copa del Rey title in 2013. They boast a total of ten victories in the tournament's history. Meanwhile, Barcelona holds the record with 31 Copa del Rey titles, their most recent win occurring in 2021. The matchup between these two titans is poised to be a captivating contest as they strive for glory.
On the other side of the draw, Real Madrid, with a formidable record of 20 Copa del Rey triumphs, will face Real Sociedad. The first leg of this encounter will take place in San Sebastian, with the return leg hosted at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Sociedad, who last lifted the trophy in 2020, have claimed it twice in their history. Their presence in the semifinals alongside Spain's elite underscores their competitive resurgence.
The semifinal fixtures generate considerable excitement, not only due to the historical success of the clubs involved but also because of their current form. As Atletico Madrid and Barcelona vie for supremacy in LaLiga, their Copa del Rey clash adds another layer of intrigue to their rivalry. Similarly, Real Madrid's quest for another title meets Real Sociedad’s ambitions head-on in what promises to be a hard-fought battle.