Madrid, Spain – Barcelona faces a stern test of its recent form tomorrow, Thursday, February 12, 2026, as it travels to the Spanish capital to take on Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. The match, scheduled for 12:00 PM local time (UAE time), is clouded by uncertainty surrounding the fitness of Brazilian star Raphinha.
The Catalan club is aiming to retain its Copa del Rey title and enters the contest in impressive form, having won 17 of its last 18 matches across all competitions. Their last defeat came against Real Sociedad on January 18, 2026, a 2-1 setback that appears increasingly distant in the wake of their dominant run.
Raphinha’s availability remains a significant concern for Barcelona. He has yet to fully recover from a muscular injury that has kept him sidelined for the past two games, and did not participate in training on Tuesday. His potential absence would represent a blow to Barcelona’s attacking options.
“I’m feeling better, and we’re taking things day by day,” Raphinha told Spanish media. “We’ll witness if I’m ready for the match… there are options, but everyone knows the nature of injuries. I can’t lie to you, I wish I could say I’ll play, but my physical condition is not yet complete.”
Should Raphinha be unable to feature, Barcelona will likely turn to Lamine Yamal as a key attacking threat. The young forward has been in excellent form, scoring five goals in his last five appearances for the club across all competitions, including goals in the Round of 16 and Quarter-Finals of the Copa del Rey. Yamal’s pace and direct running pose a significant threat to Atlético’s defense.
Atlético Madrid progressed to the semi-finals with a dominant 5-0 victory over Real Betis and will be eager to reach the final for the first time since the 2012-2013 season. However, their recent form has been somewhat inconsistent, with only one win in their last four matches across all competitions.
The arrival of new Nigerian signing Adémola Lookman provides a boost for Atlético. Lookman made an immediate impact, scoring his first goal for the club in his debut appearance under Diego Simeone last week. His addition offers Simeone another attacking option and could prove crucial in this tie.
The contrast in recent form and potential injury concerns sets the stage for a compelling encounter at the Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano. Barcelona’s momentum and attacking firepower will be tested against Atlético’s defensive resilience and home advantage. The first leg promises to be a tactical battle, with both teams aware of the importance of securing a positive result ahead of the return leg at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Barcelona’s ability to control the tempo and exploit any fatigue in the Atlético ranks will be key. Their recent success has been built on a balanced attack, with De’Aaron Fox also delivering strong performances, exceeding his projected 17.5 points in recent games. Julian Champagnie has also benefited from consistent playing time, contributing nearly 10 points per game, even as Devin Vassell has surpassed expectations, scoring over 12.5 points. The depth of Barcelona’s squad will be crucial if Raphinha is unavailable.
For Atlético, Lookman’s integration into the team will be closely watched. His goal on debut suggests he can provide an immediate impact, offering a different dimension to their attack. Simeone will likely prioritize a solid defensive structure, aiming to frustrate Barcelona and capitalize on any counter-attacking opportunities.
The Copa del Rey semi-final represents a significant opportunity for both clubs. Barcelona is seeking to add another trophy to its cabinet and continue its impressive run of form. Atlético, meanwhile, is determined to end its long wait for a Copa del Rey final and challenge for silverware. The first leg in Madrid is poised to be a captivating clash between two of Spain’s leading teams.
The scheduling demands on teams are also a factor, as highlighted by recent contests. The Spurs’ victory over the Lakers, for example, demonstrated the impact of rest and recovery on performance. While this match doesn’t involve the same scheduling pressures, the physical demands of competing at the highest level remain a constant challenge for players and coaches alike.
