Copa del Rey Semi-Final Showdown: Barça vs Atlético as the Cup Gets Extra Spicy
6 February 2026
The Copa del Rey semi-final draw, held today at the Las Rozas headquarters of the Spanish Football Federation in Madrid, sets up a blockbuster clash between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid.
Barça, the defending champions, along with Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao, and Atlético Madrid, advanced to the last four in a edition full of twists and upsets.
Barcelona had lifted last season's trophy after edging Real Madrid 3-2 in the final.
The draw paired Barcelona against Atlético Madrid in the first semi, while Real Sociedad meet Athletic Bilbao in the other.
Under the two-legged format, the first legs are scheduled for 10 and 11 February, with the returns on 4 and 5 March.
Biggest Shock and a Changing of the Guard
In a season full of upsets, Real Madrid were knocked out early in the Round of 16 after a 3-2 defeat to Albacete, one of the competition's loudest surprises.
On the other hand, Barcelona earned a quarterfinal win over Albacete, sealing a 2-1 victory to reach the semis. Atlético Madrid advanced by overcoming Real Betis, while Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad moved past Valencia and Deportivo Alavés respectively.
Notable Change This Season
The two clubs that have reached the semi for the third straight year are Atlético Madrid and Real Sociedad, though neither has clinched the final in this sequence.
Perhaps the season's biggest shift is Athletic Bilbao replacing Real Madrid in the last four, with Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and Real Sociedad keeping their spots.
Expect drama, goals, and perhaps a stoppage-time twist.
Punchlines: If this draw were a sniper, it would nail the target and still have time for a mic drop. And if football were a stand-up show, these two legs would be a two-act blockbuster—long but worth it.
