Barcelona Copa del Rey test looms as Atletico arrive with 4-0 lead. Five players miss clash at Camp Nou

FC Barcelona face a daunting Barcelona Copa del Rey test tonight as Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid arrive at Camp Nou with a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg of the semi-final.

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The first encounter at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano saw Atletico Madrid produce a ruthless display, with Nigeria international Ademola Lookman scoring the third goal in the first half to deepen Barcelona’s woes.

Atletico Madrid head into the decisive second leg brimming with confidence, aiming to reach the Copa del Rey final for the first time since the 2012–13 season, when the club defeated Real Madrid 2-1.

Barcelona, however, must attempt the comeback without five key players.

Poland striker Robert Lewandowski is ruled out after reportedly suffering a fractured eye socket during a recent La Liga fixture against Villarreal.

The absence of the experienced forward forces manager Hansi Flick to reshuffle his attacking options, with Ferran Torres expected to lead the line.

Midfielder Gavi remains doubtful as he continues rehabilitation from knee surgery carried out in September 2025.

Although the Spain international has resumed light training, the clash may come too soon.

Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong is also sidelined with an injury expected to keep him out for up to six weeks.

The setback means he will miss both the Copa del Rey tie and Barcelona’s forthcoming UEFA Champions League round-of-16 fixtures against Newcastle United.

Defender Andreas Christensen faces a prolonged spell out after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in training in December.

Eric Garcia will also be unavailable after receiving a straight red card in the first leg for a late challenge that compounded Barcelona’s heavy defeat.

Despite the personnel crisis, Barcelona have attempted to rally supporters ahead of the fixture.

In a message posted on X, the club warned Atletico Madrid that “90 minutes, or more, are very long” at Camp Nou.

The statement reflects belief within the squad that an improbable turnaround remains possible.

However, Atletico Madrid’s defensive resilience under Diego Simeone presents a formidable obstacle.

For Barcelona, the Barcelona Copa del Rey test represents more than a semi-final.

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It is a defining moment that could shape the club’s season and restore confidence after a bruising first-leg collapse.