Diego Pablo Simeone wants to achieve a double in his second visit of the season to FC Barcelona and reach another Copa del Rey final after more than a decade. The last time the "colchoneros" lifted the trophy was in 2013 after defeating Real Madrid in extra time at Santiago Bernabéu. Before that, they will have to overcome a very tough opponent like FC Barcelona, a contender to win any competition.
Yesterday, "Cholo" held the usual press conference before any match and gave hints of what his line-up could be today. There are several uncertainties, as it is not even ruled out to change the formation to avoid the onslaught suffered during the December visit in LaLiga. However, one player will start as a starter and has been entrusted with a lot of confidence after his good form in recent months.
Simeone Keeps the Plan Against Barça
Surely, nothing will be decided in today's clash, but the "rojiblanco" team hopes to return to Madrid with a favorable result for the return leg. Simeone managed to defeat FC Barcelona away for the first time this season after making a comeback in the league championship in the last match of 2024. It was a very tough visit, as the "blaugranas" were better during the 90 minutes and took the lead in the first half with a good goal from Pedri.
For tonight, although there are few doubts about the eleven starters Simeone will use, there is an important piece of news confirmed by the Argentine coach yesterday. Juan Musso will remain the starting goalkeeper in this competition, despite facing such a tough opponent as the "club blaugrana". The international goalkeeper has only conceded one goal in all his matches played both in LaLiga and in this Copa del Rey.
Doubts on the Left and in the Formation
Surely, the left profile is the only one where it can't be said that there is an owner, as Simeone has been rotating regularly in recent weeks. Javi Galán could return to the left-back position, while Conor Gallagher already started in the last visit to Montjuïc in December, but there is another option. A possible change in formation is not ruled out, returning to three center-backs with two wing-backs, with Samuel Lino possibly starting on the left.
In that case, Josema Giménez, Robin Le Normand, and Clement Lenglet could be in the line-up, something they did against Valencia for 20 minutes. Pablo Barrios could also return to the starting line-up, having served a suspension at Mestalla, and whom Simeone wanted to support yesterday in the press room. What is certain is that the attacking duo will be formed by Antoine Griezmann and Julián Alvarez, while Giuliano Simeone and Marcos Llorente are also expected to start on the right wing.