Big Test Ahead For Lookman As Atletico Draw Barcelona In Copa del Rey Semi-Final

Big Test Ahead For Lookman As Atletico Draw Barcelona In Copa del Rey Semi-Final

By Admin 

The Copa del Rey semi-final fixtures were confirmed on Friday, setting up a high-profile showdown between Ademola Lookman’s Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Nigeria international will face one of the toughest tests of his Atletico career when Diego Simeone’s side take on the Catalan giants in a two-legged tie between two of Spain’s most formidable teams.

Atletico Madrid will host the first leg at the Metropolitano, with the return fixture scheduled to take place at Camp Nou. The other semi-final will see an all-Basque clash, as Athletic Club host Real Sociedad at San Mames before the return leg.

The first legs of the semi-finals will be played on February 10 and 11, with the second legs slated for March 4 and 5.

Barcelona head into the last four as favourites to lift the trophy, particularly after Real Madrid’s exit from the competition. The Catalans booked their semi-final place with a narrow 2–1 victory over Albacete in the quarter-finals.

Atletico Madrid, however, arrive in the semi-finals in emphatic fashion, having dismantled Real Betis 5–0. Lookman was central to that victory, scoring the third goal and providing an assist for Antoine Griezmann’s strike in a standout debut performance.

The 28-year-old forward has quickly emerged as a key figure in Simeone’s squad, and his influence is expected to be crucial as Atletico prepare to counter Barcelona’s technical quality and attacking threat.

All four semi-finalists—Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Athletic Club and Real Sociedad—have lifted the Copa del Rey within the past 13 years, underlining the competitiveness of this season’s final four.

As preparations begin for the first leg in Madrid, Atletico will be aiming to capitalise on home advantage before travelling to Barcelona, while the Catalans will look to seize control of the tie ahead of the decisive return fixture at Camp Nou.