Following a stunning victory against FC Barcelona, Athletic Club booked their place in the semifinal of the Copa Del Rey. They are set to play the first leg of the semifinal away from home as Atletico Madrid will host the match at Civitas Metropolitano.
Both Atletico Madrid and Atheltic Club have been doing an amazing job throughout the tournament. In the Round of 16, Atletico Madrid eliminated Real Madrid by a dramatic 4-2 margin. The match was in a 2-2 tie in the full-time, but Atletico Madrid secured the win in the extra-time by scoring two more goals.
The Athletic Club, on the other hand, knocked out FC Barcelona in the quarterfinal. They also won the match in the extra time, like the way Atletico Madrid won against Real Madrid.
However, Atletico Madrid are all set to welcome Atheltic Club. The Simeone boys are desperate to go ahead in the two-legs semifinal, as they will play at their home ground tonight.
Team News
Former Chelsea man Cesar Azpilicueta is still unavailable for Atletico Madrid as he is suffering from a knee injury, while midfielder Thomas Lemar is out of the squad due to an Achilles injury.
Atletico Madrid’s defender Jose Maria Gimenez was absent in the last two games because of a muscle injury. But he is making good progress and should be available soon. However, Reinildo Mandava is likely to start tonight in the heart of Atletico’s defense along with Mario Hermoso and Axel Witsel, as several defenders are out of the squad due to their respective injuries. In addition, Nahuel Molina, Pablo Barrios, and Samuel Lino are also in contention to start against Athletico Club tonight.
As for the visitors, Nico Williams got a knock during the match against Mallorca. He hasn’t recovered yet and is in doubt ahead of tonight’s game. His brother Inaki Williams also got a small injury, but the manager expects to get him fit for tonight’s clash.
Inigo Lekue and Alex Berenguer have returned to training following their respective injury and are likely to be available for the match against Atletico Madrid. Goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala has played five cup games for Athletic Club instead of first-choice goalkeeper Unai Simon. He is also the favorite to start tonight between the posts.
Possible Lineup for Atletico Madrid:
Oblak; Hermoso, Witsel, Reinildo; Molina, De Paul, Koke, Saul, Lino; Griezmann, Morata
Possible Lineup for Athletic Bilbao:
Agirrezabala; Lekue, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galaretta, Prados Diaz; I. Williams, Sancet, Ares; Guruzeta
Prediction: Atletico Madrid 2-1 Athletic Club
Civitas Metropolitano has been a fortress for Atletico Madrid, as they have been unbeaten almost for a year in competitive games at their home ground. Moreover, they have won 11 of their last 13 home games against Athletic Club. Therefore, we expect Atletico Madrid to continue their winning run against Athletic Club and get closer to the final of the Copa Del Rey.
Betfair Odds
Atletico Madrid: 1.95
Draw: 3.42
Athletic Club: 4.32
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