Atlético de Madrid faces a huge challenge tonight at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Starting at 9:30 p.m. (21:30), the team led by Diego Simeone will face FC Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals. The red-and-whites will seek to repeat the result achieved this season in La Liga to pave the way to the final.
Simeone will have almost all his players available for the important match, but he has encountered a last-minute absence. In addition to Koke, Cesar Azpilicueta has been left out of the squad.
Azpilicueta, Last-Minute Absence for Atlético de Madrid
Cholo Simeone will have to restructure his defense after confirming that Azpilicueta will not be able to play against Barcelona. The Navarrese full-back, who started in the last La Liga match against Valencia, had to be substituted at halftime due to muscle discomfort. Although his presence in Montjuïc was not initially ruled out, he ultimately did not pass the medical tests and is left out of the squad.
This absence is a setback for Atlético de Madrid, as Azpilicueta has been a key piece in Simeone's defensive rotation. His versatility has allowed him to perform both as a full-back and in the center of the defense, providing experience and solidity in key moments of the season. Now, the Argentine coach must decide how to reorganize his defense to face the blue-and-red attack.
Koke Won't Be Against Barcelona Either
Another significant absence for Atlético de Madrid is their captain, Koke Resurrección. The midfielder is still recovering from a muscle injury that already prevented him from being present in the last league match. His absence leaves a significant gap in the red-and-white engine room, as he is the player who balances the team and leads the play in the midfield.
Despite these absences, Atlético de Madrid has received good news: Pablo Barrios returns to the squad after missing the match in Valencia due to suspension. The youth player could have minutes in Montjuïc and even be an option for the starting eleven.