This season’s Copa del Rey defies the notion that cup competitions have lost their charm or importance. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have already secured their spots in the semifinals of Spain’s most prestigious knockout tournament, while Barcelona and Real Sociedad could join them today. Unlike in previous years, the country’s top clubs are fiercely competing for the trophy, which last season ended up in Athletic Bilbao’s cabinet at San Mames.🏆 MATCHDAY! 🏆#ValenciaBarça pic.twitter.com/80d16ATaud— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 6, 2025 The Catalans travel to the always tricky Mestalla (23.30) for the last quarter-final clash. With the arrival of young coach Carlos Corberan from West Bromwich Albion, Valencia has been revitalized. Survival in La Liga remains the priority for the former Spanish champions, who have been in crisis for over a decade under Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim’s ownership.Just a week ago, Barcelona completely dismantled Valencia at Montjuic, winning 7-1. Now, at Mestalla, the last semifinal spot in the Copa del Rey is on the line.Hansi Flick’s team has struggled for most of the season—except when facing Real Madrid, whom they have crushed twice, winning 4-0 in La Liga and 5-2 in the Supercopa final. Just four days ago, Barcelona barely broke down Alaves’ resistance in Catalonia, securing a narrow 1-0 victory.Barca dig deep to edge Alaves, closing the gap to Madrid to four pointsValencia, on the other hand, edged past Celta Vigo 2-1 at home but still sits in the relegation zone. The situation is slightly more hopeful, though, as Espanyol, the first team above the drop zone, holds a four-point advantage.At the start of the season, Barcelona secured a comeback victory in Valencia, winning 2-1, with both goals scored by Robert Lewandowski at the end of the first half and the beginning of the second.One of the ways Szczesny beats Iñaki Peña is communicating with the defense. He conveys more security – even after making a mistake – and is more of a ‘leader’ when it comes to giving instructions and commanding.— @sport pic.twitter.com/1c9mNrna3p— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) February 6, 2025 Although Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny spent most of the season as a backup, Hansi Flick has confirmed that the veteran is now the club’s number one choice in goal, replacing the unconvincing Inaki Pena. Pena had been the starter until the Spanish Super Cup, but after the match in Jeddah, he was succeeded by the former Juventus goalkeeper. Szczesny had initially retired last summer but decided to come out of retirement following Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s injury.The 34-year-old Polish goalkepeer has been Barcelona’s first choice in the Copa del Rey so far, but the German coach has stated that there will be no more rotations, and the Polish shot-stopper will remain between the posts for the rest of the season.🚨 BREAKING: Dani Olmo is BACK! He has received the medical GREEN light! 🔵🔴🔥✅ pic.twitter.com/BOU0ZnK35f— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) February 6, 2025 Flick will also have Dani Olmo available again after the Spanish international missed the last six matches due to injury. However, Gavi remains sidelined, while Marc Bernal, Andreas Christensen, and ter Stegen are also unavailable due to injuries.Ansu Fati has stayed at Barcelona, but it’s clear that the Catalan coach does not count on him for the remainder of the season.He’s going nowhere – Lewa close to triggering extension clauseAccording to Marca, Robert Lewandowski might not start, as Flick could opt to rest him for Sunday’s La Liga match. Instead, Barcelona’s attack could feature Ferran Torres alongside Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.COPA DEL REY – SPANISH CUPQuarter-finalsTuesdayAtl.Madrid – Getafe 5-0 (3-0)/Simeone 8, 17, Lino 42, Correa 78, Sorloth 86/WednesdayLeganes – Real Madrid 2-3 (1-2)/Cruz 39 pen, 59 – Modric 18, Endrick 25, Garcia G. 90+3/Thursday21:30: (1.80) Sociedad (3.50) Osasuna (4.70)23:30: (7.00) Valencia (4.50) Barcelona (1.45)***odds are subject to change***
