Real Madrid and Barcelona have both learned their fate in the Copa del Rey semi-final draw as the arch-rivals continue to chase treble success.
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Spanish giants find themselves in Copa last fourAtletico and Real Sociedad are the two other teamsFinal set to be played on April 26 in SevilleFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Copa del Rey semi-final draw has delivered two thrilling matchups, with Barcelona set to battle Atletico Madrid, while Real Madrid will take on Real Sociedad. Both ties will be played over two legs, with the first encounters scheduled for late February and the decisive return fixtures taking place in early April.
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For Barcelona and Atletico, this semi-final clash marks the beginning of an intense period, as the two sides are also set to meet in La Liga on March 16. Their previous encounter this season ended in a 2-1 win for Atletico, with Alexander Sorloth netting the late winner at the Olympic Stadium in December. Now, with a spot in the Copa final on the line, both teams will be looking to outdo each other once again.
On the other side of the draw, Real Madrid will begin their semi-final tie against Real Sociedad in San Sebastian, before hosting the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. The first legs are set for February 25 or 26, while the return matches will be held on April 1 or 2.
DID YOU KNOW?
This is the first time since 2014 that La Liga’s top three teams – Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid – have all reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals. That year, Real Sociedad also made it to the final four, making this season’s lineup a rare and exciting repeat of history.
Adding to the drama, Real, Barca and Atletico are separated by just two points in La Liga as they continue to battle for domestic supremacy. Meanwhile, all three teams are still competing in the Champions League, while Real Sociedad are also involved in the Europa League.
AFPWHAT NEXT?
With Real Madrid and Barcelona placed on opposite sides of the draw, there remains the tantalising prospect of a Copa del Rey final showdown between Spain’s two biggest clubs. If both teams manage to overcome their semi-final opponents, the world could witness an El Clasico final on April 26 at La Cartuja in Seville. Barcelona have beaten Madrid in both the Clasicos this campaign and Carlo Ancelotti's troops will look to amend that record in the summit clash, if they get past Sociedad in the semis.
