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.
Barcelona reportedly set €15 million price tag for Ansu Fati
The possibility of Ansu Fati leaving FC Barcelona in the summer of 2025 appears increasingly likely, as the club has reportedly set a €15 million asking price for the out-of-favor forward.
The future of Ansu Fati at FC Barcelona has become clearer than ever as the out-of-favour youngster is adamant about leaving the club this summer.
Having been hailed as the natural heir to club legend Lionel Messi and wearing the coveted number 10 shirt, the 22-year-old forward has suffered a sad decline this season.
❗️ Ansu Fati is feeling really down and disappointed with the situation he’s going through and is now open to leaving. New clubs are starting to show interest in the player.
Ansu is also frustrated with how the club has treated him in small ways—like in training, when he was… pic.twitter.com/INZipMEgtW
Since Hansi Flick took over at the club, Fati has been on the bench far more than playing on the field, which created a distressing situation for the club as well as for the player.
Deco, Barca's sporting director, is reportedly trying to neutralize this season, considering the ongoing regrets at the club for not having seen Fati's full talent due to injury. However, the solution is clear — he needs to be sold, and on a minimum transfer fee of €15 million.
This figure would appear too small for a player who was once being hailed as the next big thing, but with time and inconsistent play, much of his value has drastically declined.
Although his loan spell at Brighton in the Premier League was seen as a new beginning to his career, the season has been very disappointing for Ansu Fati. The forward has openly admitted that he is no longer part of Flick's plans and is now seeking alternative options to salvage his career.
Sources close to the player indicate that he wants a sporting project where he feels valued, gets back to consistency, and above all, can enjoy playing football again. Only 22 years old, Fati knows that he still has time to play at his ultimate level again, but the first step is to identify a club that truly believes in his potential.
However, since the Copa del Rey RO32 game against Barbastro on January 4th, he has failed to earn any game time, even for a single minute.
Fati's contract at Barcelona runs until 2027, but he is already thinking of a departure next summer. This was an option he thought of during the last winter transfer window in January, but after discussions with Hansi Flick, he chose to stay with the team, hopeful that he would be given his opportunity.
In January, several clubs expressed interest in Ansu Fati’s willingness to change his surroundings. Clubs such as Ajax, Borussia Dortmund, Porto, and Besiktas all attempted to convince the Spaniard to join their sides, reported Mundo Deportivo.
Ajax, Borussia Dortmund, Porto and Besiktas were all interested in Ansu Fati in January.
However, he decided to stay at Barcelona and fight for a chance.
Fati is also frustrated with some things that are no longer in Flick's control but are subject to the club instead. For example, in a few training sessions, he has been the top performer in numerous instances, yet he has watched other players being featured on Barcelona's social media while he is barely being mentioned.
Despite his current setbacks, Ansu Fati still draws attention from several clubs. LaLiga teams have enquired about his availability, and Premier League teams are keeping an eye too, lured by the low price tag for a player once considered one of Europe's brightest rising stars.
Sevilla, Villareal, and Real Betis have done the groundwork to potentially sign the winger, either through a loan deal or through a permanent transfer.
English teams, including West Ham and Everton, have apparently agreed to negotiate with them, especially if Barcelona are willing to have favorable terms like variable fees on the transfer price or a loan deal with a compulsory buy.
Deco is aware of the financial situation at the club; he doesn't want to go through a low-cost sale. However, he considers that bids of 30 or 40 million euros are now not on the table. What the target is, though, is to negotiate a sale of no less than 15 million euros, which will assist in relaxing the wage bill and creating liquidity without inflicting massive financial damage.
🚨🔵🔴 Barcelona’s plan with Ansu Fati remains same as January, trying to find a new club in order to sell him.
Ansu rejected more than 4 approaches in January and he’ll have the final decision, but Barça remain open to letting him go.
In conclusion, Ansu Fati’s chapter at FC Barcelona is edging closer to a painful end. Although the ending is not as dreamlike as hoped, Barcelona have faith that he can rediscover his best form elsewhere. His talent is still very much unutilized; he only needs the right environment to shine once more.
Title Race in Top Five European Leagues: What are the equations?
What are the equations in the title race for the top five European leagues? How many points do the leaders need to secure the title? Sportz Point explores this scenario.
European football has gifted us numerous memorable moments and matches this season, and we can expect more to come in the upcoming months.
The top five European Leagues – Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1 have different title chase scenarios as the leagues are entering the final lap, leading the clubs to their fate in the 2024-25 season.
England, Germany, and France have witnessed a one-sided battle for the league title this season, except for Spain and Italy, where the champions might be decided even in the closing matchday this season.
In this article, we will examine the league table scenarios, possible equations for the league leaders to secure the title, and the contention for the continental competitions such as UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League for next season.
Premier League
(Image Source | Givemesport)
Liverpool are currently atop the Premier League 2024-25 table, having bagged 73 points in 30 matches. The Reds are edging closer to the title as Arsenal, the second-placed side, dropped points against Everton in a 1-1 stalemate yesterday.
Liverpool have a chance to extend their lead at the top with a win against Fulham this evening, which will see them going 14 points ahead of the Gunners.
The Mikel Arteta-led side has earned 62 points in 31 games so far. As of now, Liverpool only need 11 points from their last eight games to secure the Premier League title for the 20th time in their history.
Liverpool are just four wins away from being crowned Premier League champions.
If it plays out like that, they could win the title at Anfield vs. Spurs then receive guard of honours from both Chelsea and Arsenal 🤯 pic.twitter.com/MVDmpDzRhi
Nottingham Forest have been a surprise entrant for a top-four finish in the Premier League, charging for a UEFA Champions League berth next season. The Forest are now third with 57 points in 31 games – five points clear of the fourth-placed Chelsea.
Fifth-placed Manchester City (51 points in 30 games) and Aston Villa (51 points in 31 games), now sixth, will throw a tough challenge for the Champions League and Europa League berth, whereas seventh-placed Newcastle United (50 points in 29 games) might surpass City and Villa in the race.
Barcelona are currently atop the table with 67 points in 30 matches, four points clear of Real Madrid with 63 points in the same number of games. The title race might go down to the last matchday as these two teams will meet in the fierce El Clasico, scheduled for May 11th, which could decide the potential champions.
Despite failing to take full advantage of Real Madrid’s slip-up, Barcelona remain 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙑𝙔 𝙁𝘼𝙑𝙊𝙍𝙄𝙏𝙀𝙎 to win the LALIGA title - according to @OptaAnalyst 📊📈 pic.twitter.com/uUQ5lu6uir
Fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao (53 points in 29 games) are already five points ahead of Real Betis, now fifth (48 points in 30 games) with one game in hand. Sixth-placed Villareal (47 points in 28 games) could pose a challenge for both of them for UCL and UEL qualification, with two games in hand to match Betis' tally.
LaLiga 2024-25 Table
Pos
Team
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Barcelona
30
21
4
5
83
29
54
67
2
Real Madrid
30
19
6
5
63
31
32
63
3
Atlético Madrid
29
16
9
4
47
23
24
57
4
Athletic Club
29
14
11
4
46
24
22
53
5
Real Betis
30
13
9
8
41
37
4
48
6
Villarreal
28
13
8
7
51
39
12
47
7
Celta Vigo
30
12
7
11
44
43
1
43
8
Rayo Vallecano
30
10
10
10
33
35
-2
40
9
Mallorca
30
11
7
12
29
37
-8
40
10
Real Sociedad
29
11
5
13
27
31
-4
38
11
Sevilla
29
9
9
11
33
39
-6
36
12
Getafe
29
9
9
11
26
25
1
36
13
Girona
30
9
7
14
37
46
-9
34
14
Osasuna
29
7
13
9
33
42
-9
34
15
Valencia
30
8
10
12
34
47
-13
34
16
Espanyol
29
8
8
13
31
40
-9
32
17
Alavés
30
7
9
14
33
44
-11
30
18
Leganes
29
6
9
14
28
46
-18
27
19
Las Palmas
29
6
8
15
33
48
-15
26
20
Valladolid
29
4
4
21
19
65
-46
16
Serie A
(Image Source | X)
Serie A 2024-25 might witness one of the greatest showdowns in the title charge in the league's history, as league leaders Inter Milan dropped points in a 2-2 draw against Parma last night.
Defending champions Inter Milan are currently topping the table with 68 points across 31 games, having played one game more than second-placed Napoli, who have accumulated 64 points in 30 games. If Napoli ends this week with a win, the gap between these two teams will be just one, leading the teams to walk the wire in the final matchdays.
🚨 After Inter’s draw vs Parma today, the Serie A title race is wide open!
Napoli and Inter are neck and neck — and with only a few games left, neither side can afford to drop points.
The pressure to finish in the top four have also intensified in Italy. With Inter and Napoli confirmed to finish in the top four, third-placed Atalanta (58 points in 30 games), fourth-placed Bologna (56 points in 30 games), fifth-placed Juventus (55 points in 30 games), and sixth-placed AS Roma (52 points in 30 games) will battle it out for the last two UCL berths.
Serie A 2024-25 Table
Pos
Team
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Inter
31
20
8
3
69
30
39
68
2
Napoli
30
19
7
4
47
24
23
64
3
Atalanta
30
17
7
6
63
29
34
58
4
Bologna
30
15
11
4
50
34
16
56
5
Juventus
30
14
13
3
46
28
18
55
6
Roma
30
15
7
8
45
30
15
52
7
Lazio
30
15
7
8
51
42
9
52
8
Fiorentina
31
15
7
9
49
32
17
52
9
Milan
31
13
9
9
47
37
10
48
10
Udinese
31
11
7
13
36
42
-6
40
11
Torino
30
9
12
9
35
35
0
39
12
Genoa
31
9
11
11
29
38
-9
38
13
Como
31
8
9
14
39
48
-9
33
14
Verona
30
9
3
18
29
58
-29
30
15
Cagliari
30
7
8
15
31
44
-13
29
16
Parma
31
5
12
14
37
51
-14
27
17
Lecce
31
6
8
17
21
49
-28
26
18
Empoli
30
4
11
15
24
47
-23
23
19
Venezia
31
3
12
16
23
43
-20
21
20
Monza
31
2
9
20
25
55
-30
15
Bundesliga
(Image Credit | Getty)
As of now, only six points separate league leaders Bayern Munich and second-placed Bayer Leverkusen, though Bayern might attain the Bundesliga 2024-25 title and a first trophy for Harry Kane –if they manage to accumulate 13 from the 18 points available.
Bayern Munich are now ahead with 68 points in 28 games, whereas reigning Champions Bayer Leverkusen have managed 62 in the same number of matches, practically confirming their participation in next season's Champions League.
Bayern are leading in the Bundesliga title race. (Image Credit | ESPN)
However, the race for two other UCL berths will draw Eintracht Frankfurt (third, 48 points in 28 games), FSV Mainz (fourth, 46 points in 28 games), RB Leipzig (fifth, 45 points in 28 games), and Borussia Monchengladbach (sixth, 43 points in 27 games) into a battle, looking for places in continental competitions.
Bundesliga 2024-25 Table
Pos
Team
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Bayern
28
21
5
2
81
27
54
68
2
Leverkusen
28
18
8
2
63
34
29
62
3
Eintracht Frankfurt
28
14
6
8
55
42
13
48
4
Mainz
28
13
7
8
46
32
14
46
5
RB Leipzig
28
12
9
7
44
35
9
45
6
Mönchengladbach
27
13
4
10
44
40
4
43
7
SC Freiburg
28
12
6
10
38
44
-6
42
8
Dortmund
28
12
5
11
52
43
9
41
9
VfB Stuttgart
28
11
7
10
51
44
7
40
10
Werder
28
11
6
11
45
53
-8
39
11
Augsburg
28
10
9
9
31
39
-8
39
12
Wolfsburg
27
10
8
9
49
41
8
38
13
Union Berlin
27
8
6
13
25
40
-15
30
14
Hoffenheim
28
6
9
13
34
52
-18
27
15
FC St. Pauli
27
7
4
16
22
33
-11
25
16
Heidenheim
28
6
4
18
32
53
-21
22
17
VfL Bochum
28
5
5
18
28
59
-31
20
18
Holstein Kiel
28
4
6
18
39
68
-29
18
Ligue 1
The redesigned Ligue 1 trophy. (Image Source | X)
Paris Saint-Germain have claimed the 2024-25 Ligue 1 title after beating Angers 1-0 last night, ensuring their fourth successive title with 74 points in 28 games. The Luis Enrique-managed side have been crowned champions with six matches remaining and are now 24 points ahead of the second-placed AS Monaco (50 points in 28 matches).
PSG have clinched another milestone, winning the league title without losing a single game so far, and with six matches remaining, they will look to embrace the 'invincible' tag by ending the season without a single defeat.
PSG have won the 2024-25 Ligue 1. (Image Credit | Getty Images)
If Les Parisiens complete an unbeaten league season, they will join a special group of clubs from Europe's top five leagues that have achieved this feat. This group includes Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, Juventus in 2012, Arsenal in 2004, AC Milan in 1992, Perugia in 1979, and Preston North End in 1889.
However, the race to qualify for next season's UCL will go down to the wire between six teams who are differentiated by only four points – AS Monaco (50), Olympique de Marseille (49), Olympique Lyonnais (48), OGC Nice (47), Lille OSC (47), and RC Strasbourg (46).
Ligue 1 2024-25 Table
Pos
Team
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
PSG
28
23
5
0
80
26
54
74
2
Monaco
28
15
5
8
54
35
19
50
3
Marseille
27
15
4
8
54
36
18
49
4
Lyon
28
14
6
8
54
38
16
48
5
Nice
28
13
8
7
52
35
17
47
6
LOSC
28
13
8
7
42
30
12
47
7
Strasbourg
27
13
7
7
45
35
10
46
8
Brest
28
13
4
11
44
43
1
43
9
Lens
27
11
6
10
31
30
1
39
10
Auxerre
27
9
8
10
38
39
-1
35
11
Toulouse
27
9
7
11
35
33
2
34
12
Rennes
27
10
2
15
38
37
1
32
13
Nantes
28
7
9
12
33
47
-14
30
14
Angers
28
7
6
15
26
46
-20
27
15
Reims
27
6
8
13
29
41
-12
26
16
Le Havre
27
7
3
17
29
57
-28
24
17
St-Étienne
27
6
5
16
28
63
-35
23
18
Montpellier
27
4
3
20
21
62
-41
15
(*all stats are accurate as of the time of publishing this article.)
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.
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