Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona Preview and Prediction: Copa del Rey Semifinal Second Leg – April 2, 2025

The Copa del Rey semifinal second leg explodes tonight as Atlético Madrid welcome Barcelona to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 9:30 p.m. CEST (2:30 p.m. ET). After a wild 4-4 draw in the first leg on February 25, the stakes couldn’t be higher—win or bust for a spot in the April 26 final in Seville. Hours from kick-off, here’s your full breakdown: live stream options, VPN hacks, team news, predicted lineups, head-to-head stats, betting odds, and what’s trending on X. It’s Simeone vs. Flick in a clash that could define the season!

How to Watch Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona Live

Spain: Watch on RTVE La 1 (free-to-air) or Movistar+ Copa del Rey (M52 O107) at 9:30 p.m. CEST; stream via RTVE Play (free) or Movistar+ app (€11-€30/month). Post-match highlights on TVE’s Estudio Estadio.
US: ESPN+ has it live at 2:30 p.m. ET ($9.99/month); ESPN Deportes offers Spanish commentary.
Global: X fans highlight beIN Sports (MENA), Fox Sports (Latin America), and Sky Sports (UK, delayed)—verify your region.

Broadcast Note: RTVE snagged this blockbuster, while ESPN+ locks in US viewers for Copa action.

VPN Tips: Stream from Anywhere

Out of range? A VPN saves the day. NordVPN (£3-£11/month) or ExpressVPN (£6-£10/month) unlock RTVE or ESPN+—pick a Spanish or US server. X buzz praises NordVPN for smooth football streams; both offer 30-day refunds. Sync it with your subscription, dodge geo-blocks, and you’re in!

Match Preview: A Final Berth on the Line

Atlético Madrid (2nd in La Liga, 63 points) roared back from 4-2 down in the first leg, with Marcos Llorente and Alexander Sørloth netting late to tie it at 4-4. Diego Simeone’s side, out of the Champions League after a penalty loss to Real Madrid, see the Copa as their trophy shot—unbeaten in their last six home games (5-1-0). Barcelona (1st, 66 points) are flying, unbeaten in 20 across all competitions, fresh off a 4-1 Girona rout. Hansi Flick’s attack, led by Robert Lewandowski (17 goals), has bagged 75 La Liga goals, but their defense wobbled in the first leg. After a 2-1 league win over Atleti in December, can Barça crack the Metropolitano again?

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Atlético Madrid: Ángel Correa’s five-match ban lingers, Koke’s muscle injury makes him doubtful, and Pablo Barrios (hamstring) faces a late call. Julián Álvarez (5 Copa goals) and Sørloth (3 in 5) could start over Griezmann. Predicted XI (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Giménez, Lenglet, Galán; De Paul, Gallagher, Lino, Giuliano; Álvarez, Sørloth.
Barcelona: Dani Olmo (hamstring) is out until late April, Marc-André ter Stegen and Marc Bernal remain sidelined, but Pau Cubarsí’s back. Flick may rest Lewandowski for Ferran Torres. Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Szczęsny; Koundé, Cubarsí, Martínez, Baldé; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Torres.

Head-to-Head: Last 5 Encounters

Barcelona edge the recent rivalry:

Note: Atlético’s last Copa win over Barça was in 2000; four of five recent games saw both teams score.

Odds and Prediction: Who Reaches the Final?

Bet365 odds: Atlético +180, Barcelona +150, Draw +230 (over/under 2.5 goals). Atlético’s home grit and late first-leg fightback give them hope, but Barcelona’s form (6 straight La Liga wins) and attacking depth tilt the scales. Prediction: Atlético 1-2 Barcelona (5-6 agg)—Raphinha and Torres strike, Álvarez replies, but Barça advance.

Why It’s a Must-Watch

Level at 4-4 on aggregate, this is do-or-die—extra time or penalties loom if it’s tight after 90. Atlético’s Copa dreams clash with Barcelona’s juggernaut form. With both sides in La Liga’s top two and the final in sight, expect a brutal, goal-heavy battle. Don’t blink!