Barça, King of Cups: An Unstoppable Legacy

FC Barcelona stands as the undisputed master of the Copa del Rey, treasuring an impressive record of 31 titles, a figure that consolidates its dominance in this prestigious competition.

The last cry of culé jubilation in the Copa echoed in the 2020-21 season, when the blaugrana team displayed its power against Athletic Club with a resounding 0-4 in Seville. Barça’s history in the Copa is a tale of constant success, reaching the final on 42 occasions and lifting the trophy in 74% of them.

Over the years, emblematic figures have left their mark on the culé bench, guiding the team to Copa glory. Coaches such as Jack Greenwell, Ferdinand Daučík and Luis Enrique, each in their time, won the hearts of the fans with their winning strategies and their passion for the club.

Others such as Helenio Herrera and Pep Guardiola also managed to add two titles each. Barcelona’s golden years in the Copa del Rey extend throughout the decades, from the first triumphs at the dawn of the 20th century to the modern era. The club’s trophy cabinet proudly displays the trophies won in the seasons 1909-10, 1911-12, 1912-13, 1919-20, 1921-22, 1924-25, 1925-26, 1927-28, 1941-42, 1950-51, 1951-52, 1952-53, 1956-57, 1958-59, 1962-63, 1967-68, 1970-71, 1977-78, 1980-81, 1982-83, 1987-88, 1989-90, 1996-97, 1997-98, 2008-09, 2011-12, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2020-21, a testament to Barça’s indelible legacy in the Copa del Rey.

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Griezmann to the Rescue: Key Against Barcelona

Atlético de Madrid needs Antoine Griezmann at his best to overcome Barcelona. Simeone fully trusts the Frenchman’s talent, highlighting his creativity and hierarchy, and hopes he will be decisive in the upcoming match.

El Cholo has publicly praised Griezmann, acknowledging that, although all players have ups and downs, the forward’s genius is essential for the team. Griezmann will form in the attack alongside Julián Alvarez, seeking to unbalance the culé defense.

The match presents several challenges for the Frenchman, who has yet to score against Barcelona at the Metropolitano. Despite this, Griezmann has demonstrated his scoring ability against Barça in other matches, adding four goals in total.

Griezmann is a pillar in Simeone’s scheme, being the second player with the most minutes played this season, only surpassed by Oblak. So far, he has scored 16 goals in all competitions: eight in La Liga, six in the Champions League, and two in the Copa del Rey.

Although he has been without scoring for some time, his last goal was precisely against Barcelona on February 25. Atlético needs Griezmann to regain his best level, not only in the scoring facet but also in his participation in the team’s play. With sights set on the Copa del Rey final, Griezmann is motivated to finish the season with a title and continue to be a key player in the club’s future.

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Simao: The Portuguese Idol Who Dazzled at Atleti

Simao Sabrosa, a name etched in gold in the history of Atlético de Madrid. After his fleeting spell at Barcelona, the Portuguese winger arrived at the Metropolitano in 2007 to become an undisputed benchmark.

His signing, along with that of Diego Forlán, revitalized a team that needed new figures after Fernando Torres’ departure. Simao quickly won the hearts of the fans thanks to his speed, technique, and, above all, his exceptional set-piece ability.

During his three and a half seasons as a Rojiblanco, Simao demonstrated grit and talent, contributing important goals in La Liga and in European competitions. His commitment and charisma made him a leader on and off the pitch, even wearing the captain’s armband.

One of the most memorable moments was his decisive free-kick in the Copa del Rey comeback against Recreativo, a magical night that will be etched in the memory of Atlético fans.

Simao was a fundamental part of the team that conquered the Europa League and the European Super Cup, titles that marked an era and demonstrated the club’s growth. After his time in Turkey and his brief return to La Liga with Espanyol, Simao retired leaving an indelible legacy at Atleti. Today, his plaque around the Metropolitano is a tribute to his career and the affection that the Rojiblanca fans have for him. A player who undoubtedly left his mark on the hearts of all Atlético fans.

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Atlético to the Death: Decisive Night in the Cup

The Metropolitano is preparing for a heart-stopping night in the Copa del Rey. Atlético de Madrid faces Barcelona in a crucial match where there is no room for error. After a vibrant first leg, where both teams showed their offensive power, the fate of the Rojiblancos in the competition is decided in this single match.

Atleti seeks to relive old cup glories, recalling that victory in 2013 with Simeone and Koke against the eternal rival at the Bernabéu. Griezmann, the team’s standard-bearer and with scores to settle against his former team, needs to find his best form to lead the Colchoneros’ offense.

De Paul, key in the transitions, and a Julian in a state of grace will be fundamental to overcome a Barça in great shape. El Cholo is considering the starting eleven, looking for the formula to counteract the Culé’s power and ensure the pass to the final.

After an irregular streak, Atleti needs to find its best version again, the one that allowed it to chain fifteen consecutive victories. A victory against Barcelona would not only mean a pass to the Copa final, but also an opportunity to heal recent wounds and lift a title that would revitalize the team and its fans. The Metropolitano becomes the perfect stage to write a new chapter in the Rojiblanca history.

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Atleti: Maximum Concentration to Receive Barça

FC Barcelona has modified its logistics for the match in the capital, prioritizing comfort and minimizing travel. Instead of the traditional Hotel Intercontinental, the Culé team will stay at the Hilton at Barajas Airport, just 10 minutes from the Metropolitano.

This decision, according to club sources, seeks to optimize the team’s rest and preparation before the crucial match. The Blaugrana expedition will land in Madrid shortly before one o’clock in the afternoon on a charter flight, and then head to the hotel to finalize the details before the clash.

It is expected that after the match, Barcelona will return immediately to the Condal City, landing in the early hours of Thursday. This change in the visiting team’s routine highlights the importance they attach to the match against our Atleti. We are confident that our team will know how to take advantage of this situation and give us a memorable victory in the Metropolitano! The Rojiblanca fans are preparing to cheer tirelessly and demonstrate once again why we are the best fans in the world. Aúpa Atleti!

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Koke: The Vital Return of the Captain

Atlético de Madrid feels the weight of Koke’s absence. The numbers don’t lie: the team suffers when the captain is not on the field. Although his prominence has decreased this season, his absence is noticeable in the overall performance.

Of the last matches in which Koke could not participate due to physical problems, Atlético only achieved some victories, suffering painful defeats, including a Champions League elimination. Although players like Barrios and De Paul have gained ground in midfield, Koke’s experience and leadership remain crucial.

His ability to move the ball and his tactical intelligence are qualities that are missed when he is not there. Koke himself has expressed his enthusiasm to help the team again, especially against a rival in great shape.

He trusts the unconditional support of the fans at the Metropolitano to achieve qualification for the final. Despite having followed some full matches from the bench, Koke remains a fundamental pillar.

At 33 years old and his contract about to expire, Koke is in control: he will continue to wear the red and white shirt until he decides. The captain, the only player who has lived through the entire Simeone era and the one who has played the most games in the club’s history, is back to contribute his experience and leadership on the field.

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Chasing the Final: Atleti, Give it Your All!

Atlético de Madrid faces a crucial moment of the season with the Copa del Rey on the horizon. After last season’s painful elimination against Athletic, the Rojiblancos fans, along with Simeone and his players, long for a new final.

The match against Barcelona is presented as a golden opportunity to make amends for recent encounters. El Cholo, aware of what reaching this goal would mean, has conveyed to his players the need to show courage and daring on the field.

The Argentine coach wants a team that attacks, that plays Barcelona head-to-head, without complexes or fears. The Metropolitano will play a fundamental role, pushing the team from the first minute.

The fans, always loyal, will respond to the fullest if they see an Atlético plugged in and willing to leave everything on the field. Getting the pass to the Copa del Rey final is not something that comes every year, so the team must take this opportunity. The pride of Atlético and the possibility of adding a new title to the trophy cabinets are at stake. Go for them, Atleti!

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Atleti, Let's Go for the Cup!

Colchoneros, the Cup is calling us! With the grit and indomitable spirit that characterizes us, Atlético de Madrid is preparing to compete in a new edition of the Copa del Rey. The Rojiblanca fans dream of seeing their team lift this prestigious trophy, filling the Metropolitano’s showcases with glory.

Atleti’s history in the Cup is full of epic moments and memorable battles, and this year will be no different. With a committed team and a coach who knows how to motivate his players, Atleti will seek to overcome every obstacle and leave their soul on every match.

Come on, Atleti, let’s show what we are made of! The fans trust in the dedication and talent of our players to reach the final and fight for the title. Each match will be an opportunity to demonstrate our passion and unconditional support.

Forza Atleti! Together, team and fans, we can achieve great things. The road to the Cup is full of challenges, but with the strength of our fans and the quality of our team, we are ready to conquer glory! Aúpa Atleti, let’s go for the Cup!

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Musso, at the Forefront in Atlético's Goal for the Semifinal

Juan Musso will be Atlético’s starting goalkeeper in the crucial second leg of the semifinals, a decision confirmed by Cholo Simeone, leaving Oblak with no options for this match. This bet on Musso in the Cup reaffirms Simeone’s policy in this competition, where the Argentine has proven to be up to the challenge.

Musso’s arrival has generated healthy competition between the posts, something not seen since the time of Moyá. His performance, reflected in a 79.2% success rate in his seven matches (six in the Cup and one in the League), contrasts with the good level of Oblak, who despite his miracles and a 72.4% success rate last season, has shown some inconsistency.

The second leg of the semifinals is an unbeatable showcase for Musso, an opportunity to prove his worth and establish himself as a reliable goalkeeper for Atlético. The match presents a great challenge for the Argentine, who has in his hands the responsibility of defending the Rojiblanca goal at a key moment of the season.

Simeone’s decision doesn’t stir the debate, Musso will play. In this match, Musso’s performance could be decisive for the team’s future in the competition. His performance will determine whether Atlético’s goal continues to be an undisputed territory for Oblak, or whether Musso has arrived to stay and challenge the established order.

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Atlético: Going for the Cup with Cholo's Grit

The Metropolitano is preparing to experience an epic night: the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. Atlético de Madrid, with high morale after the four-all draw in February, faces Barça in a decisive match for a place in the final.

Simeone, with his enthusiasm intact, has been thoroughly preparing for the match, aware that this Copa title is a priority target. The good news is Koke’s return to the squad, a leader who returns to bring experience and solidity to the midfield.

Le Normand will also be available. The only confirmed absence is Correa, who continues to serve his suspension. El Cholo seems to have a clear idea of the starting eleven, with Azpilicueta and Reinildo at full-back, Giménez and Lenglet in the centre of defense.

In midfield, Giuliano Simeone could start on the left wing, accompanied by Llorente on the right, and Barrios and De Paul in the double pivot. Up front, the connection between Julián Alvarez and Griezmann will be key to unbalancing the rival defense.

The Rojiblanco bench will be full of talent, with players like Koke, Lino or Sorloth ready to change the course of the match. The Atleti fans, as always, will play a fundamental role, cheering non-stop to carry the team towards victory and the coveted Copa del Rey final.

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