Barcelona have been paired with Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals of the 2025-2026 Copa del Rey, setting up a blockbuster clash between two of Spain’s biggest clubs.
Hansi Flick’s side booked their place in the last four of the Copa del Rey with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Albacete on Tuesday, with goals from Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araujo sealing progress. Atletico Madrid followed on Thursday with a ruthless 5-0 demolition of Real Betis.
The other semi-final promises just as much drama, as Real Sociedad and Athletic Club prepare to meet in an all-Basque derby.
Copa del Rey Semi-Final Fixtures
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona
Real Sociedad vs Athletic Club
Both ties will be played over two legs. The first legs are scheduled for mid-February, between the 10th and 12th, with Atletico hosting Barcelona at the Metropolitano and Athletic welcoming Real Sociedad to San Mames. The return legs are set for early March, between the 3rd and 5th.
The winners will advance to the final, which will be staged at La Cartuja in Seville in April.
The draw was conducted on Friday afternoon at the headquarters of the Royal Spanish Football Federation in Las Rozas, with four historic clubs left in the competition. Barcelona have emerged as favourites following Real Madrid’s exit, although all four remaining teams have lifted the trophy within the last 13 years.
Barcelona’s quarter-final win over Albacete was not without drama, requiring a late goal-line clearance from Gerard Martin to preserve their lead. Atletico, by contrast, enjoyed the most comfortable passage through, while both Basque clubs relied on late goals from Orri Oskarsson and Inaki Williams to overcome Alaves and Valencia respectively.
The Atletico vs Barcelona tie is a repeat of last season’s semi-final, which Barcelona won 5-4 on aggregate, including a 1-0 victory in Madrid. Meanwhile, the Basque rivals recently faced off in the league, drawing 1-1 at San Mames after Real Sociedad had earlier won 3-2 at Anoeta.
Atletico impressed in the quarter finals and have been strengthened by the arrival of Ademola Lookman, though Pablo Barrios could miss the first leg. Barcelona remain in solid form despite missing Pedri.
In the other tie, Pellegrino Matarazzo’s unbeaten start has boosted Real Sociedad’s confidence, while Athletic Club have relied on late goals to stay in contention.
