Copa Clash: Lookman leads Atletico charge against Barcelona

Ademola Lookman is set for a high-stakes showdown at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, as Atletico Madrid welcome cup holders Barcelona for the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final today.

​Barely a week after a dream debut—scoring in the 5-0 quarter-final demolition of Real Betis—the Nigerian international now faces the ultimate litmus test. While Lookman has hit the ground running, Atletico’s form has been a rollercoaster; despite their cup heroics, they suffered a narrow 1-0 league defeat to Betis just last Saturday.

​Diego Simeone’s Rojiblancos have ground out results to reach this stage, including a gritty 3-2 aggregate win over Atlético Baleares and a disciplined 1-0 victory over Deportivo de La Coruña. However, their 5-0 explosion against Betis last week—featuring goals from Hancko, Giuliano, Griezmann, Almada, and Lookman—suggests they are finding their clinical edge at the right time.

​Barcelona’s path has been more methodical, securing narrow wins over Guadalajara (2-0), Racing Club (2-1), and Albacete (2-1) to keep their title defense alive.

​Speaking ahead of the clash, Diego Simeone dismissed any doubts about his squad’s ability to topple the La Liga leaders.

​”I always have faith—not just for tomorrow,” Simeone told reporters. “It’s a trait we’ve managed to convey to the team. This is our third semi-final, and we know there is only one way to reach that final: by believing in what we create.”

​Hansi Flick travels to Madrid with a depleted frontline. Barcelona will be without both Raphinha and Marcus Rashford for the first leg. Raphinha remains sidelined with a persistent thigh strain, while Rashford is nursing a knee injury sustained during Barca’s 3-0 win over Real Mallorca.

​”Marcus is not able to play; it’s painful and we have to be careful,” Flick admitted. “It is not good news, but I believe in my team. In difficult situations, we grow.”

​Regarding Raphinha, Flick emphasized a cautious approach: “He plays with such high intensity that when he feels something, we have to take a step back. I’m not happy because we need him, but we must go step-by-step.”

​This marks the ninth time these heavyweights have met in a Copa del Rey semi-final. Last year, Barcelona edged the tie 5-4 on aggregate.

​The return leg is scheduled for March 3rd at the Spotify Camp Nou. The winner will head to Seville for the final on April 18/19 to face either Athletic Club or Real Sociedad.