Spain Copa del Rey - Semifinals

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Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Atletico Madrid:
Oblak; Hermoso, Witsel, Reinildo; Molina, De Paul, Koke, Saul, Lino; Griezmann, Morata

Athletic Bilbao:
Agirrezabala; Lekue, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galaretta, Prados Diaz; I. Williams, Sancet, Ares; Guruzeta

Atletico Madrid will welcome Athletic Bilbao to the Civitas Metropolitano for the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals. The overall winners will face Mallorca or Real Sociedad in the final, that will be held at La Cartuja in Seville on 6 April 2024. This is a match between two friendly clubs in Spanish football. For those who don't know, in 1903, Basque students formed an affiliated team, Athletic Club Madrid, which later evolved into Atletico Madrid, after watching Athletic's epic triumph in the 1903 Copa del Rey Final. Nevertheless, the moment game started there will be no friendship on the pitch. Both teams will try to secure the progress and they are both in good form - the hosts are unbeaten in six games across all competitions, while the visitors have avoided defeat in each of their previous three matches.

Atletico Madrid are main favorites for the trophy in Copa del Rey after Real Madrid and Barcelona were eliminated. The Rojiblancos are in good form, particularly as hosts. They won the last five matches in front of their own fans, including a 4:2 win against holders Real Madrid in the previous stages of cup. During the weekend Diego Simeone's side visited Santiago Bernabeu, this time in La Liga. The derby brought good football and ended with an 1:1 draw. Brahim Diaz's first-half strike gave advantage to Real, but Marcos Llorente managed to rescue a point for his side when scored in the third minute of stoppage time. The atmosphere in the squad is good, but Simeone has some injury issues. Defender Cesar Azpilicueta and midfielder Thomas Lemar remain sidelined with a knee and Achilles injury respectively. Jose Maria Gimenez is rated as doubtful with a muscle injury. Some players could be tired due to busy schedule, so Simeone must rotate the players to provide fresh legs.

Athletic Bilbao managed to eliminate five teams on the road to the semifinals, including Barcelona. In general, this is a good season for the Bask outfit. Currently they are fifth, fighting for a Champions League spot for the next season. Last Friday they destroyed Mallorca by scoring four unanswered goals. I believe the players confidence is much higher now. Coach Ernesto Valverde is doing a good job and the fans are satisfied. Lifting the trophy in the cup will put his name among the best coaches in the club's modern history. Bilbao are sitting second in the list of record Copa del Rey winners with 23 trophies, but they haven't won the competition since 1984. Valverde has the majority of his players available, but brothers Williams are doubtful. Nico was forced off in the second half of Friday's win over Mallorca due to a thigh problem, while Inaki picked up a knock in the same game. Inigo Lekue and Alex Berenguer have recovered and the pair could start from the bench.

Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction:

It is clear this will be an interesting clash and it is hard to find favorites. Maybe Diego Simeone's side are more experienced, but Bilbao will have the home advantage in the second leg. However, I think Atletico Madrid are closer to the victory in the first match. They have players able to make a difference - Morata and Griezmann. Furthermore, I believe a narrow defeat could be acceptable for Bilbao. The Bask outfit, supported by their loyal fans, will try to secure the final in the second leg at San Mames. Simeone know how to motivate the players, but he also know to involve the fans in the match.

Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Pick: Atletico Madrid to win @ 1.90 with Everygame