Atletico hosts FC Barcelona in Copa del Rey semifinal repeat

MADRID, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona meet Thursday in the second semifinal of the Copa del Rey in Madrid.

The match is a repeat of last season's semifinal, although the order of the legs is reversed. A year ago, Barcelona hosted the first leg before winning 1-0 in Madrid after a 4-4 draw in the Catalan capital.

Diego Simeone's side enters after a turbulent week. Atletico thrashed Real Betis 5-0 away to reach the quarterfinals, then fell 1-0 at home to the same opponent in La Liga on Sunday.

The defeat drew criticism of the Metropolitano pitch. With Barcelona's possession-based style, conditions on Thursday could influence the tempo, although Atletico is expected to rely on counterattacks against the league leader.

Midfielder Pablo Barrios is out with a muscle injury, while forward Julian Alvarez has not scored in La Liga in more than three months and appears out of form. Simeone will look to new signing Ademola Lookman to add pace, while Alexander Sorloth has six goals in 10 career appearances against Barcelona.

Barcelona has its own concerns. Raphinha is expected to miss out again with a groin strain, potentially clearing the way for Marcus Rashford to start alongside Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres. Pedri remains sidelined, with Fermin Lopez likely to partner Frenkie de Jong in midfield. Defender Ronald Araujo could return after recently speaking publicly about his struggles with anxiety and depression.

The return leg is scheduled for March 3 at Camp Nou in Barcelona. Enditem