Saudi Pro-League club Al Hilal take out €90 million (£77.6m) to sign Brazilian forward Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Neymar will join the Saudi side on a two-year deal. He has signed the contract for a huge amount of £2.5 million-a-week in wages including other expenses. Neymar became the world's most expensive footballer after completing his move to PSG from Barcelona back in 2017. After 173 appearances for the Paris Giants, Neymar has scored 118 goals. After spending six seasons at PSG, he is now all set for a new mission in Saudi.
A report claims that Neymar has asked Al-Hilal management for three luxury cars for himself, four Mercedes G Wagons for his entourage, and a Mercedes van with a driver. Neymar has requested the Saudi Pro-League outfit one particular driver to be available round the clock every day for himself, his friends, and family members. The list of luxury cars reportedly comprises a Bentley Continental GT, an Aston Martin DBX, and a Lamborghini Huracan. Neymar also wants a refrigerator at his home to be always filled with Acai juice and Guarana drinks.
The Brazil sensation's demand doesn't just restrict there. He has also asked for three saunas to be installed in his house and a sous chef to help his personal Brazilian chef. The former Barcelona talisman has demanded all the costs of his stays at hotels, restaurants, and travel be covered by Al Hilal.
According to some trustable reports, Neymar's Saudi property will have 25 rooms and a swimming pool. The 31-year-old will earn £173.8 million per year during his stay at Al Hilal. The Al Hilal contract makes Neymar Saudi Pro League's third best-paid footballer, behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in December last year. His former Real Madrid teammate Benzema followed him and signed for the Saudi Arabian champions Al Ittihad on a free transfer this summer.
"It is exciting, meeting top-quality players on the other teams thrills you and motivates you to play even better. And it is a given when you face Ronaldo, Benzema, (Roberto) Firmino, that the excitement is even greater. I think it is very important to have quality in the squad. Obviously, it helps in some decisions you take throughout your career. It was certainly for me. I am very excited to write a new story chasing all the objectives with the club and my teammates – winning more and more titles and fulfilling the club's ambition," Neymar said.
Atletico Madrid vs FC Barcelona Copa Del Rey 2024-25 Semi-final: Ferran Torres' lone goal helps Barcelona set a date for El-Clasico in the final
Get all the real-time updates, scores, news and free commentary of the Atletico Madrid vs FC Barcelona Copa Del Rey 2024-25 Semi-final second-leg match at Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.
Hello, and welcome to another night of exciting football. Tonight, we have a thriller of a match on our hands. This is Koushik Biswas, who will bring you all the real-time LIVE updates, scores, and news of Atletico Madrid vs FC Barcelona Copa Del Rey 2024-25 Semi-final Second Leg tonight.
The first leg between the two Spanish giants finished at 4-4, and this second leg will surely be nothing short of that. With Real Madrid already securing their spot in the final this time, we can either have a Madrid derby or an El-Clasico in the final.
So, stay tuned as we bring you all the LIVE updates of the match along with the free commentary and images.
Enjoy the coverage.
LIVE Updates
Apr 2, 2025, 7:35 PM
Final Score
Apr 2, 2025, 9:51 PM
Final verdict!
So it will be another El Classico in the Copa Del Rey final in Sevilla. Barcelona were the better team and attacked more in the first half, resulting in a goal from Ferran Torres. They could have scored more if they had latched onto the chances created mainly by Lamine Yamal.
But atletico Madrid brought in three changes at the start of the second half, which made them attack more frequently and freely.
However, despite a few chances, they were not able to score. Jules Kounde was excellent for Barcelona, making multiple blocks in the final 15 mins of the game.
This means that Barcelona will meet Real Madrid in the Copa del Dey final and will be another step closer to their target of a treble.
Apr 2, 2025, 9:30 PM
Full time | ATM 0-1 FCB (4-5 agg)
🚨Full time: Atletico Madrid 0-1 FC Barcelona (4-5 agg.)
FC Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid by 1-0 in Madrid to reach the Copa Del Rey final.
Yellow card for Gerrad Martin. It's a free-kick for Atletico, from just outside the box.
Apr 2, 2025, 9:28 PM
90+3' | Kounde with another block
Kounde makes another block as he stops Galan's cross.
Apr 2, 2025, 9:26 PM
90+1' | Molina's misses target
Molina misses the target with a looping header.
Apr 2, 2025, 9:26 PM
4 minutes added
4 minutes have been added as injury time.
Apr 2, 2025, 9:24 PM
89' | Barcelona have not lost the ball for 3 mins
Barcelona have not lost the ball for 3 mins now. They have been there and there about on the edge of the box. But, could not make the final effort though.
Apr 2, 2025, 9:21 PM
86' | Change for Barcelona
Lamine Yamal, who does not wanna leave, is replaced by Gerrad Martin.
Apr 2, 2025, 9:20 PM
84' | Kounde with a block
Galán's left footed effort was blocked by a flying Kounde. Top-class defending.
Apr 2, 2025, 9:18 PM
83' | Chance for Barcelona
A decent chance for Barcelona there after Raphinha found Yamal with a long cross.
However, Barcelona could not take the advantage and kill the game there.
Apr 2, 2025, 9:16 PM
81' | Change for Atletico
In: Riquelme
Out: Griezmann
Apr 2, 2025, 9:15 PM
80' | Save from Szczęsny
Griezmann's cross goes straight to Szczęsny and he grabs it with both hands.
Apr 2, 2025, 9:14 PM
78' | Lenglet with a great block
Lenglet comes running from behind to block the cross from Lamine on the right. Corner for Barcelona.
Yamal with a scoop over the top for Koune to make a run and enter the box.
However, Kounde could not control the volley as it went over the goal.
Apr 2, 2025, 7:52 PM
19' | Chance missed by Torres
That was a huge missed opportunity for Ferran. Pedri found Raphinha with a cute pass. Raphinha then played a small pass to Ferran.
However, he could not take the chance after a poor first touch, and Atletico Madrid defenders had it covered.
Apr 2, 2025, 7:47 PM
15' | Lopez tries to sneak in
Fermin Lopez, who is playing in the place of injured Dani Olmo, tried to sneak in a pass from the edge of the box. However, Atletico Madrid defenders had it covered.
Apr 2, 2025, 7:45 PM
13' | Yellow card
Yellow card for Rodrigo de Paul for a foul on Raphinha. Already, two Ateltico players are on a caution.
Apr 2, 2025, 7:44 PM
12' | Yamal misses the target
A beautiful pass from Pedri and a quick cutback from Yamal before he went for a curling shot from the left.
He missed the far post by a whisker.
Apr 2, 2025, 7:43 PM
9' | Yellow card
Yellow card for Atletico Madrid head coach Simeone for descent.
Apr 2, 2025, 7:42 PM
7' | VAR check for a potential red card
A VAR check for a potential red card Azpilicueta, for a foul on Raphinha.
Starting XI: W. Szczęsny, J. Koundé, P. Cubarsí, I. Martínez, A. Balde, F. de Jong, F. López, Pedri, L. Yamal, F. Torres, Raphinha.
Subs: Iñaki Peña, Diego Kochen, Gerard Martín, Eric García, Ronald Araújo, Hector Fort, Gavi, Pablo Torre, Robert Lewandowski, Ansu Fati, Pau Víctor.
Apr 2, 2025, 7:02 PM
Lineups | Atletico de Madrid
Starting XI: J. Musso, M. Llorente, C. Azpilicueta, J. M. Giménez, R. Le Normand, R. Mandava, G. Simeone, P. Barrios, R. de Paul, J. Álvarez, A. Griezmann.
Subs: Jan Oblak, Clément Lenglet, Javi Galán, Nahuel Molina, Axel Witsel, Rodrigo Riquelme, Koke, Thomas Lemar, Conor Gallagher, Samuel Lino, Alexander Sørloth.
Apr 2, 2025, 6:18 PM
Barcelona early team news!
Pau Cubarsi and Raphinha returned to the Barcelona squad for tonight's clash.
Apr 2, 2025, 6:11 PM
Last 5 Meetings: Atletico vs Barcelona
Date
Result
Competition
16/03/2025
Atletico 2-4 Barcelona
LaLiga 2024-25
26/02/2025
Barcelona 4-4 Atletico
CDR 2024-25 Semis
21/12/2024
Barcelona 1-2 Atletico
LaLiga 2024-25
17/03/2024
Atletico 2-4 Barcelona
LaLiga 2023-24
03/12/2023
Barcelona 1-0 Atletico
LaLiga 2023-24
Apr 2, 2025, 6:10 PM
Head-to-Head Stats (All Competitions)
Matches played: 245
Atletico Madrid won: 77
Barcelona won: 111
Draws: 57
Apr 2, 2025, 4:30 PM
How to watch the match?
India:Fancode
UK:TNT Sports
Spain:RTVE Play App
Apr 2, 2025, 4:29 PM
Tonight's venue
Apr 2, 2025, 4:28 PM
Match Details
Match: Atletico Madrid vs FC Barcelona
Tournament: Copa Del Rey 2024-25 Semi-final 2, Leg 2
Atletico Madrid vs FC Barcelona Copa Del Rey 2024-25 Semi-final 2 Second Leg Match Preview: Head-to-head, Possible Lineups and Fantasy XI Prediction
Read the full match preview of the Atletico Madrid vs FC Barcelona clash tonight in the Copa Del Rey 2024-25 Semi-final 2, Second Leg at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Spain.
Atletico Madrid are set to host FC Barcelona in a fiery second-leg game in the Copa Del Rey 2024-25 Semi-final 2, as a nail-biting encounter will unfold tonight at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Spain.
The tie is currently poised in a thrilling position with the Copa Del Rey final at stake after the teams shared the spoils in a 4-4 draw on 26 February, in the first leg at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona.
Real Madrid have sealed their passage to the finals following another thrilling 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad, advancing 5-4 in aggregate. The second semi-final tonight will set up a potential El Clascio or Madrid Derby in the Copa Del Rey 2024-25 Final on April 26 at the Estadio La Cartuja in Sevilla.
From possible starting XIs to Fantasy predictions, here is everything you need to know about the Atletico Madrid vs FC Barcelona Second Leg match in the Copa Del Rey 2024-25 Semi-final 2.
They failed to keep up a two-goal advantage to lose 4-2 in their home league match against league-leaders Barcelona, before they came back from the international break with a 1-1 draw against Espanyol in an away match. Consequently, the Copa del Rey is Atletico's best hope to lift a trophy this season as they will be seeking to win the tournament for the first time since 2012-13.
However, head coach Diego Simeone must look for the best combination before fielding his eleven tonight. Veteran midfielder Koke is set to miss this game, whereas Robin Le Normand is doubtful. Forward Angel Correawill serve the third of a five-match ban.
The semi-final tie with Barcelona is perfectly balanced after Atletico scored two late goals to earn a 4-4 draw in last month's away leg, though the Rojiblancos may find themselves tensed by the fact that they have not advanced beyond their previous three Copa del Rey semi-final ties.
FC Barcelona
(Image Credit \ Barca on X)
Unlike their hosts, FC Barcelona are still in the race to win three more titles alongside the Spanish Super Cup, won in January. The Blaugranas have registered a 20-game unbeaten streak in all competitions (W17, D3) since losing 2-1 to Atletico Madrid in December's league match at home.
They are sitting atop the La Liga table with 66 points in 29 games, are in the Champions League quarter-finals, and are on the verge of qualifying for a first Copa del Rey final since clinching it in 2020-21.
Interestingly, The Catalan side have defeated each of their last three away games against Atletico since losing 2-0 to them in a La Liga encounter in October 2021.
Barcelona gaffer Hansi Flick announced Raphinha and Cubarsi's return to the team. On the other hand, Marc Andre Ter Stegen returned to training but will not be available. Marc Casado suffered an unfortunate injury, while Marc Bernal and Andreas Christensen are recovering from long-term injuries.
Juan Musso; Marcus Llorente, Jose Maria Gimenez, Clement Lenglet, Reinildo Mandava; Giulliano Simeone, Pablo Barrios, Rodrigo De Paul, Samuel Lino; Julian Alvarez, Antoine Griezmann.
FC Barcelona
Wojciech Szczesny (GK); Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Alejandro Balde; Frenkie De Jong, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha; Robert Lewandowski.
Atletico Madrid vs FC Barcelona: Fantasy XI Prediction
Pedri, the young FC Barcelona midfielder, has drawn serious interest from the reigning Premier League champions, Manchester City, who are reportedly ready to offer a whopping €100 million for the Spanish midfielder.
According to El Nacional, former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, who is currently at the helm of Man City, has conveyed his interest to the Club's upper echelons to rope in the 22-year-old midfielder.
🚨🚨| JUST IN: Manchester City are interested in signing Pedri.
Man City are prepared to bid €100 million for Pedri
(Image Source | Barca Universal)
Pedri has been enjoying a great season at FC Barcelona, having scored 5 goals and provided 7 assists in 44 appearances for the Catalan giants this season. However, his contribution goes beyond the goal involvements, which shows why he has won eight Man of the Match awards in his last ten games for the club.
The 22-year-old midfielder is currently on a mega five-year contract with Barcelona that runs until June 2030. Pedri's contract also includes a release clause set at €1 billion, implying his utmost importance in building the long-term planning of FC Barcelona.
Manchester City see Pedri as the ideal midfield addition, but Barcelona have no plans to sell the 22-year-old. pic.twitter.com/6ECEUQ9AR6
However, Pedri is currently valued at €120 million, according to transfermarkt, which is significantly higher than what Manchester City are keen to offer.
The English club has reportedly assessed all the financial aspects and feasibilities of the bid and are prepared to put forward a €100 million transfer fee offer to Barcelona.
Despite the reports, Pedri has not shown any interest in leaving the Blaugrana colours since joining the club from Las Palmas in September 2019, whereas Barcelona will also not be very keen to let Pedri leave.
With the potential departure of key midfielder Kevin De Bruyne said to be imminent, Pep Guardiola is looking to rejuvenate his midfield structure while keeping an eye on Pedri. Nico Gonzalez, another former Barcelona midfielder, was acquired by Man City in February 2025.
Jorge Jesus denies negotiations with Brazil as potential head coach
Al-Hilal head coach Jorge Jesus has denied the rumours about the negotiations to be appointed as the next head coach of the Brazil national football team.
Besides Carlo Ancelotti, Jorge Jesus has also been named as a potential candidate. However, The 70-year-old Portuguese coach has responded to these rumours, denying any negotiation with CBF to be appointed as the next head coach of Brazil, discarding the possibility as of now.
Jorge Jesus denies negotiations with Brazil
Jorge Jesus (Image Credit | AP)
In an interview with UOL, Jesus, who is currently at the helm of Saudi club Al-Hilal, assured that he has not been contacted by anyone from the Brazilian Football Federation. "No one has spoken to me, at least until today," he stated.
The 'Globo' network has indicated that Al-Hilal head coach Jorge Jesus is the front-runner to become the head coach of the Brazilian national team.
The network also pointed out that Jorge Jesus is not keen to leave his position at Al-Hilal since he expects to stay with the Saudi Pro League side until the end of the AFC Champions League Elite, which concludes on May 3, 2025.
🚨🇧🇷 Jorge Jesus has given his initial availability to become new Brazil head coach, after the end of the season with Al Hilal.
Decision now up to the Brazilian Federation as dream target Carlo Ancelotti surely won’t be available before end of July. pic.twitter.com/122t3HfTbw
Further, the network added that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was the initial choice; however, he is not ready to leave his present job before the end of the 2025 Club World Cup.
The Portuguese coach aims to lead Al-Hilal to triumph in the AFC Champions League Elite and might consider stepping down before the Club World Cup to assume the coaching duty at the Brazilian national team.
Jesus addressed his relationship with Neymar
(Image Source | X)
Recent developments have witnessed prominent figures such as Carlo Ancelotti and Filipe Luis pulling out of contention as of now to take over the Brazil job, solidifying Jesus's position as the front-runner.
When asked on the 'Charla Podcast' about the possibility of reuniting with Jesus in the national setup, Neymar seemed visibly uncomfortable and opted to answer otherwise. "I have nothing to do with this. I'm just a player; don't involve me in this. I'm out," he stated.
However, Jorge Jesus opened up about his relationship with Neymar. In the interview with UOL. "I have no issues with Neymar, but no club or national team can depend on individual players," the coach said, dismissing any conflicting triggers.
The situation raises questions about Neymar's future with the national team and the possible impact of this appointment on the team's dynamics. However, Brazil seeks to bounce back from their recent stint of setbacks and appoint a coach who can lead the team to the coveted success with the 2026 FIFA World Cup at stake.
Hello and welcome to another Live coverage of Spanish football, as we continue bringing you all the updates of a high-intensity match in Laliga 2024-25 matchday 29 between FC Barcelona and Gironaat Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain.
FC Barcelona is at the top of the Laliga 2024-25 table with 63 points. Under Hansi Flick, they are currently in good shape, and they will be at home with their key players. Hansi Flick's managed side has equal points with the defending champions, surely, they will eagerly wait to take a clear three-point lead over the defending champions Real Madrid.
On the other hand, Girona is not in good form, they are currently in the 13th-placed with 34 points. And it will be a tough game for the visitors.
End of the regular minutes | 5 minutes extra added
Mar 30, 2025, 4:06 PM
87' | Sub for Barca
IN: Pablo Torre
OUT; Pedri
Mar 30, 2025, 4:06 PM
86' | GOALLL! BAR 4-1 GIR
Barcelona scores their fourth goal, as the super sub Ferran nets the ball.
Mar 30, 2025, 4:01 PM
81' | Subs for Barca
IN: Alejandro Balde, Pau Cubarsi
OUT: Eric Garcia, Inigo Martinez
Mar 30, 2025, 3:58 PM
77' | GOALL! BAR 3-1 GIR
Surely this goal seals the deal for Barcelona, as De Jong makes a beautiful run, and chooses Lewandowski, and Lewandowski scores the goal
Mar 30, 2025, 3:51 PM
71' | Double subs for Girona
IN:' John Solis, Christian Stuani
OUT: Tsygankov, Arthur Henrique
Mar 30, 2025, 3:49 PM
70' | Corner to Barca
Mar 30, 2025, 3:46 PM
67 '| Throw in to Barca
Mar 30, 2025, 3:45 PM
66' | Double subs for Barca
IN: Frankie De Jong, Ferran Torres
OUT: Gavi, Fermin Lopez
Mar 30, 2025, 3:42 PM
61' | GOALLL! BAR 2-1 GIR
Gerrad Martin puts a cross into the box for Fermin, as Fermin keeps the ball into the ball for Lewandowski, and Lewa scores the goal with an exceptional volley, brilliant team play by Barca,
Mar 30, 2025, 3:40 PM
60' | Brilliant save by Gazzaniga
Eric Garcia tries his luck from the outside of the box, but Gazzaniga saves the shot.
Mar 30, 2025, 3:38 PM
59' | Substitution for Girona
IN: Portu
OUT: Yaser Esneider Asprilla Martínez
Mar 30, 2025, 3:38 PM
57' | Chance for Barcelona
Surely, it's a chance to take the lead again for Barca, as Lamine Yamal flicks the ball into the final third for Kounde and Kounde puts a cross just outside the post for Lewandowski, but he fails to net the ball.
Mar 30, 2025, 3:33 PM
53' | GOALLL! BAR 1-1 GIR
It's game on again, as Girona's forward Arnaut Danjuma scores the equalizer.
Mar 30, 2025, 3:31 PM
52' | Throw in to Barcelona
Mar 30, 2025, 3:30 PM
50' | Chance for Barcelona
Fermin tries his luck form outside of the box with a weak-footed shot, but fails to find the back of the net
Mar 30, 2025, 3:27 PM
48' | Corner to Barcelona
Mar 30, 2025, 3:27 PM
47' | Offside!
Arnaut Danjuma is in an offside position.
Mar 30, 2025, 3:24 PM
46' | Second half begins!
Mar 30, 2025, 3:07 PM
First Half ends: BAR 1-0 GIR
Barcelona is in the driving seat in the derby, thanks to Ladislav Krejčí's own goal.
Mar 30, 2025, 3:05 PM
End of the regular minutes | 3 minutes added time
Mar 30, 2025, 3:03 PM
43' | GOALLL ! BAR 1-0 GIR
Lamine Yamal takes the free kick from just outside of the box and the shot is deflected with Ladislav Krejčí, and he scores an own goal.
Yangel commits a foul on Fermin and the referee shows a yellow card to Yangel and awards a free kick to Barca
Mar 30, 2025, 2:58 PM
41' | Free Kick to Girona
Mar 30, 2025, 2:57 PM
39' | Offside
Fermin puts in a brilliant pass into the final third for Kounde and this time Kounde finds the back of the net, but he is in an offside position.
Mar 30, 2025, 2:52 PM
35' | Free kick to Barcelona!
Yangel commits a foul on Kounde and the referee awards a free kick to Barca
Mar 30, 2025, 2:50 PM
33' | Chane for Barcelona
Fermin tries his luck with a shot from outside of the box but fails to find the back of the net
Mar 30, 2025, 2:48 PM
32' | Corner to FC Barcelona
Mar 30, 2025, 2:48 PM
30' | Free kick to Girona
Gerrard Martin commits a foul on Francis, and the referee awards a free kick to Girona.
Mar 30, 2025, 2:48 PM
30' | Free kick to Girona
Gerrard Martin commits a foul on Francis, and the referee awards a free kick to Girona.
Mar 30, 2025, 2:45 PM
29' | Corner to Barcelona
Mar 30, 2025, 2:45 PM
28' | Barca is constantly pushing in for the opener!
Mar 30, 2025, 2:40 PM
22' | Gazzaniga pulls off a beautiful save!
Pedri puts a beautiful cross into the final third from the corner, and Ronald Araujo attempts the cross with a header, but Gazzaniga pulls off a brilliant save to decline Barca's chance.
Mar 30, 2025, 2:37 PM
21' | Corner to Barcelona
Mar 30, 2025, 2:37 PM
19' | Free Kick to Girona
Fermin commits a foul on Arthur and the referee awards a free kick to Girona.
Mar 30, 2025, 2:33 PM
17' | Barcelona is looking to hold on to ball!
Mar 30, 2025, 2:30 PM
12' | Chance for Barcelona
A brilliant run from Lamine Yamal comes to an end with a shot from outside of the box but fails to find the back of the net, as he skies the shot.
Mar 30, 2025, 2:29 PM
11' | No penalty to Barcelona!
Terrible decision by the referee, as the referee awarded a free kick to Girona and declared no penalty and no foul to Barcelona.
Mar 30, 2025, 2:27 PM
9' | A penalty shout in Girona's box!
The referee is checking the VAR that the foul on Fermin is outside the box or inside the box.
Mar 30, 2025, 2:26 PM
8' | Free Kick to Barcelona
Tsygankov commits a foul on Fermin, and the referee awards a free kick to Barcelona from just outside of the box.
Mar 30, 2025, 2:24 PM
6' | Chance for Girona
Tsygankov puts a beautiful ball into the final third to Arnaut Danjuma, but he fails to find the back of the net.
Mar 30, 2025, 2:22 PM
5' | Corner to Barcelona
Mar 30, 2025, 2:20 PM
4' | Corner to Barcelona
Mar 30, 2025, 2:20 PM
3' | Barcelona is looking to hold on to ball!
With Girona keeping their defense tight, Barcelona is all over on the pitch, looking for the right time to attack and score the opener.
Wojciech Szczesny (GK), Ronald Araujo, Inigo Martinez, Gavi, Pedri, Robert Lewandowski, Fermin Lopez, Lamine Yamal, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Gerrard Martin
Subs: Balde, Cubarsi, Ferran, Ansu Fati, Raphinha, Inaki Pena, Pablo Torre, Frankie De Jong, Pau Victor, Kochen, Hector Forte
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