Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona sees two Spanish giants go head-to-head in Thursday’s Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg.
Barcelona will face Atletico Madrid without Raphinha and Marcus Rashford, which comes as a big setback for the visitors.
There had been hope that Raphinha could recover from a groin problem in time, but the winger has been ruled out of the match.
Manager Hansi Flick explained that the club did not want to take any chances with the player, saying they must be careful whenever he feels discomfort.
With both attackers unavailable, Barcelona head into the game with fewer options up front, handing Atlético Madrid a possible advantage ahead of the first-leg.
Match Details:
Stadium: Riyadh Air Metropolitano
City: Madrid, Spain
Date: 12 February, 2026
Kick-off: 9:00 PM
Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona: Raphinha And Rashford To Miss First-Leg
Barcelona will be without Marcus Rashford for their first-leg game against Atlético Madrid. The England forward is sidelined with some pain in his left knee after a challenge in their recent 3-0 win over Mallorca.
The club confirmed that Rashford will sit out Thursday’s match as a precaution. The injury is not thought to be serious, and he is expected to return when Barcelona face Girona on February 16.
The 28-year-old has been one of the team’s standout performers this season, contributing both goals and assists regularly.
Raphinha will also miss the match. The Brazilian winger has been in good form this season, scoring 13 goals and assisting five times in 22 appearances.
His absence, along with Rashford’s, leaves Barcelona with fewer attacking options, which could make it harder for them to break down Atlético Madrid’s defence.
These injuries come at a crucial time for Barcelona as they look to advance into the Copa del Rey final, meaning coach Hansi Flick will have to rethink his attacking plans for the first-leg.
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How Barcelona’s Front Line Could Look Against Atletico Madrid
Barcelona will need to adjust their attack for the first-leg against Atlético Madrid due to the injuries to Rashford and Raphinha.
Lamine Yamal is expected to play in his preferred wide role, while Ferran Torres will spearhead the attack.
Robert Lewandowski, whose contract with Barcelona runs out in the summer and whose future is still uncertain, remains an important part of the squad.
Coach Hansi Flick also has options on the left side, with Fermin Lopez or Dani Olmo able to step in.
Even with these choices, missing two of their main attackers is a big challenge for Barcelona and will make it harder to break down Atlético Madrid’s strong defence.
The absence of Rashford and Raphinha could also force Barcelona to change their style of play, relying more on midfield creativity and quick passing to create chances, making this one of the most closely watched Copa del Rey games.
Barcelona Line-up Predictions And Injuries
Barcelona travel to face Atletico Madrid in the first-leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, looking to take an early advantage in the tie, but Barca will be without several key players.
Raphinha is still recovering from a thigh injury and has missed the last two matches against Albacete and Mallorca. Marcus Rashford is sidelined with discomfort in his left knee, midfielders Pedri and Gavi remain out, and Andreas Christensen is still recovering from a cruciate ligament injury.
Joan Garcia is expected to start in goal with a defence of Alejandro Balde, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, and Jules Kounde.
In midfield, Marc Bernal, Frankie de Jong, Dani Olmo, and Fermin Lopez are likely to start, while Lamine Yamal will play on the right wing and Ferran Torres leads the attack.
Lamine Yamal has been in excellent form, becoming the highest under-19 scorer in Europe’s top five leagues after scoring in the 3-0 win over Mallorca.
He has now scored in five consecutive matches against Albacete, Elche, FC Copenhagen, and Real Oviedo and will aim to continue his run on Thursday.
Barcelona Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Joan Garcia; Alejandro Balde, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Jules Kounde; Marc Bernal, Frankie de Jong, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Lamine Yamal; Ferran Torres
Barcelona Injuries
Pedri, Gavi, Raphinha (doubtful), Marcus Rashford, Andreas Christensen.
Atletico Madrid Line-up Predictions And Injuries
Atletico Madrid are set to host Barcelona in the first-leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, and they will likely line up in a 4-4-2 formation.
Juan Musso is expected to start in goal with a defence of Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, David Hancko, and Matteo Ruggeri.
In midfield, Giuliano Simeone, Rodrigo Mendoza, Koke, and Alejandro Baena are likely to take the central and wide positions. Up front, Julian Alvarez and Ademola Lookman are expected to lead the attack, providing pace and goal-scoring threat.
Atletico Madrid Predicted XI (4-4-2)
Juan Musso; Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, David Hancko, Matteo Ruggeri; Giuliano Simeone, Rodrigo Mendoza, Koke, Alejandro Baena; Julian Alvarez, Ademola Lookman
Atletico Madrid Injuries
Johnny Cardoso, Nicolas Gonzalez (doubtful) and Pablo Barrios.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO/Xinhua
Recording Date: 02.12.2025
