Yesterday, the draw for the Copa del Rey semifinals took place, where Atlético de Madrid was waiting to find out their opponent in their attempt to reach another final. The red-and-whites weren't very lucky, as they will face FC Barcelona, although they will be able to play the second leg at the Metropolitano with their fans. Obviously, at this stage of the competition, it's difficult to face an easier tie, although Real Madrid came out ahead.
The Madrid team will face Real Sociedad, having to visit San Sebastián first and having the second leg at Santiago Bernabéu. It's going to be a more than demanding month, especially for the colchoneros, as they will face three decisive matches in two of the competitions. In fact, all those encounters will be against the same opponent in a very short period of time during the month of March.
Simeone Against His Great Rival
Something the Argentine coach has achieved since his arrival at Atlético de Madrid is that their eternal rival is no longer their worst opponent. In general, it has been Barça that has given the red-and-whites the most problems in the last decade, especially beyond the Champions League. The blaugranas managed to eliminate the colchoneros twice in the Copa del Rey, in addition to conceding few defeats in LaLiga.
Precisely, both clubs will face each other in those same competitions in a short period of time between March and early April. The first leg of the semifinals will be in Barcelona, with the return leg at the Metropolitano and a league match in between. The blaugrana team will have to visit the Spanish capital twice almost consecutively, both times facing Atlético de Madrid.
Repeating December's Success
Although Simeone has struggled to overcome Barça, the truth is he already achieved it this season, coming from behind in the first leg at Montjuïc. It's true that the Catalan team was far superior, taking the lead with a great goal from Pedri and creating several dangerous chances to extend the lead. Rodrigo de Paul and Alexander Sorloth, in injury time, turned the result around and achieved a very meritorious victory to maintain the lead.
Obviously, it was one of those difficult scenarios to repeat due to the superiority shown by the opponent, although the context could be entirely different. Between the last week of February and the first of April, there will be three occasions when Simeone and Hansi Flick face each other, two in red-and-white territory. It's a lot of time, but it's evident that these will be three very challenging commitments where many of this season's aspirations could be decided.