Atlético de Madrid seeks to achieve a favorable result in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals against Barça. The red-and-whites have achieved an almost perfect performance in this tournament, having conceded only one goal, showing their eagerness to win the title after more than 10 years. It won't be an easy tie, as visiting the blaugrana team has always been a challenging task, especially for Simeone, who has achieved only one victory on blaugrana territory.
Specifically, this occurred this season, when the Colchoneros came back from Pedri's goal thanks to a goal by Alexander Sorloth in stoppage time. In fact, both clubs have faced each other in this competition on several occasions, also with Cholo on the bench, all ending the same way. Therefore, any help is little to face the Metropolitano clash with a positive score, something the Argentine coach is clear about.
Simeone Bets on Sticking to His Style
Since his arrival in December 2011, it has always been an odyssey to visit Camp Nou, now Montjuïc, as points were almost never obtained. Even Atlético de Madrid has achieved victories in challenging fields like Santiago Bernabéu, Stamford Bridge, Anfield, or Parc des Princes, but one resisted them too much. It wasn't until the last match of 2024 when the red-and-white team and Simeone defeated FC Barcelona away, in this case in LaLiga.
Tonight's commitment is only the first part of a tie that will be decided at the Metropolitano in April. The main objective is to face that return match with a positive result, something for which Simeone will put all his sporting and non-sporting efforts, including his attire. Cholo, always accustomed to wearing a suit on the sidelines, has worn a tracksuit throughout the Copa del Rey, something he plans to repeat in Montjuïc.
Superstition in Atlético de Madrid
The Colchonero team has had an almost perfect tournament, having conceded only one goal across all ties (vs Cacereño in the second round). Therefore, the starting goalkeeper will be Juan Musso, something Simeone himself confirmed in yesterday's press conference at Cerro del Espino. The Argentine goalkeeper has kept a clean sheet in all matches except against the Extremaduran team, including the duel against Athletic Club.
Simeone has always been very attached to superstitions, especially in moments where trophies were at stake. Thus, it's not unusual for him to dress again in his attire to continue the good momentum achieved in the Copa del Rey. Vic, Cacereño, Marbella, and Getafe have been Atlético de Madrid's victims so far, staying one step away from returning to a final.