Prediction: Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid

Verdict: Both teams to score – Yes

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Bet365

Barcelona lock horns with Atletico Madrid in a return leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals holding a 2-1 lead from the first game, which gives Luis Enrique’s men plenty of optimism ahead of the clash at Camp Nou.

Barcelona

The first semi-final duel at Vicente Calderon ended up being quite an entertaining match between great rivals and a game which met everyone’s expectations. The Catalans headed strong into the game as Luis Suarez and Leo Messi fired the team forward with two quick and brilliant goals. Atletico Madrid failed to recover despite putting in a much more organized display in the second half. Antonine Griezmann’s consolation goal offers little hope of a possible upset though. The Catalans extended their positive run over the weekend as they dispatched Athletic Bilbao 3-0 at home ground with goals by Paco Alcacer, Leo Messi and out of favour Aleix Vidal. Enrique’s men have thus continued their nine-match unbeaten run and are going into the Tuesday match in high spirits and with plenty of confidence as they look to clinch their place in the finals.

Team News

Rafinha picked up an injury against Athletic Bilbao and will join Lucas Digne, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets in the medical room.

Gerard Pique is struggling with a muscular problem and is a doubt for the game, whereas Luis Suarez is expected to be restored in the attack at the expense of Paco Alcacer.

Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone’s men finally grabbed a win. Having drawn three consecutive matches prior to their Copa del Rey semi-final first leg defeat to Barcelona, the Rojiblancos have managed to go past Leganes thanks to a 2-0 triumph. Antoine Griezmann missed the penalty, but Fernando Torres still managed to put the hosts up in the first half, before adding another five minutes into the second half to score his 100^th La Liga goal. It has been a special night for the Spanish striker, who will have gained a vital morale boost ahead of the visit to Camp Nou. With Atletico Madrid trailing seven points behind Real Madrid (who at the writing time of this article have two games in hand), Rojiblancos are well out of the La Liga title race and Copa del Rey remains their only hope of grabbing a domestic trophy. This is why Diego Simeone’s relentless charges should not be underestimated at no costs ahead of the Camp Nou clash.

Team News

Goalkeeper Jan Oblak continues to miss out due to his shoulder injury, whereas Jose Gimenez, Tiago and Augusto Fdernandez are another three long-term absentees.

Thomas Partey is yet to return from African Cup of Nations, whereas Bernabe Barragana is another name on the lengthy injury list for the visitors.

Key Factors to Consider

• Barcelona are unbeaten in 9 straight matches in all competitions
• The Catalans are coming off from 7 consecutive home matches
• Atletico Madrid last won at Camp Nou back in 2006
• Both teams have scored in 6 of 7 last meetings in Barcelona
• Fernando Torres will feel motivated having nailed his 100^th La Liga goal for Atleti

Conclusion

Barcelona are in better shape and in richer vail of form, but Atletico Madrid are a dangerous rival despite their apparent lack of edge. Diego Simeone is likely to take a risk and field a competitive squad at Camp Nou as he has little to lose after going down 2-1 in the first match. We predict an openly-contested affair.

Verdict: Both teams to score – Yes

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Bet365