MADRID — The eyes of the soccer world turn to the Metropolitano Stadium tonight, February 12, 2026, as Atletico Madrid hosts FC Barcelona in a high-stakes Copa del Rey semifinal first leg. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM UTC (3:00 PM ET), with both Spanish giants desperate to secure a first-leg advantage in the nation’s premier cup competition.
Match Preview: Flick’s Flying Barca vs. Simeone’s Tactical Grit
FC Barcelona enters the contest as the form team in Europe. Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, the Blaugrana have won their last six matches across all competitions and currently sit atop the La Liga table. Barcelona’s offensive firepower has been the story of the season, having already scored nine goals in three previous meetings against Atletico this term, including a 3-1 victory on December 2, 2025.
Atletico Madrid, led by the ever-resilient Diego Simeone, will look to use their home-field advantage to halt Barcelona’s momentum. Despite recent struggles against the Catalans, “Atleti” remains a formidable force at the Metropolitano. Simeone is expected to deploy a 4-4-2 formation, likely pairing Julian Alvarez or Alexander Sørloth with Antoine Griezmann to exploit transitions.
Head-to-Head Record and Key Statistics
Historical data favors the visitors, but the rivalry remains one of the most competitive in world football. According to all-time records:
- Total Matches: 247
- Barcelona Wins: 113
- Atletico Madrid Wins: 77
- Draws: 57
In recent history, Barcelona has dominated, winning eight of the last 10 meetings. Furthermore, Barcelona is undefeated in their last eight Copa del Rey clashes against Atletico Madrid, recording six wins and two draws in that span.
Projected Lineups and Tactical Outlook
FC Barcelona: Hansi Flick is expected to lean on the brilliance of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and the clinical finishing of Robert Lewandowski. Despite some squad absences, Barca’s high-pressing system—averaging over 60 dangerous attacks per game—will test Atletico’s defensive discipline.
Atletico Madrid: Simeone’s side will likely focus on defensive solidity and set-pieces. Betting insights suggest a 66% probability of over 2.5 goals, indicating that while Atletico is known for defense, this matchup often produces fireworks.
How to Watch: TV and Live Stream
Fans in the United States can catch the action live on ESPN+ and Fubo TV. In Spain, the match will be broadcast via Movistar+ and RTVE. Live text commentary and real-time highlights are available through the official FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid apps, as well as major sports outlets like the BBC and ESPN.
With a spot in the Copa del Rey final on the line, tonight’s clash promises to be a tactical masterclass between two of the most successful managers in the modern era.