Barcelona host Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg tonight, needing to overturn a massive 4-0 first-leg deficit without star striker Robert Lewandowski.
Barcelona enter tonight’s high-stakes clash at the Spotify Camp Nou following a morale-boosting 4-1 victory over Villarreal, fueled by Lamine Yamal’s first career hat-trick.
Manager Hansi Flick has challenged his squad to “make the impossible possible” by replicating the legendary 2017 “Remontada.”
The Catalans boast an impressive 15-match unbeaten home run but must score at least four goals to force extra time against Diego Simeone’s disciplined side.
The task is complicated by significant personnel issues, as Robert Lewandowski is sidelined with a fractured eye socket sustained last weekend.
Additionally, Frenkie de Jong remains out with a thigh injury, while Eric Garcia is suspended following his first-leg red card.
Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, arrive in formidable form with a 1-0 win over Real Oviedo and a commanding lead thanks to goals from Antoine Griezmann and Ademola Lookman.
Diego Simeone is expected to deploy a compact, counter-attacking setup to protect his four-goal advantage.
While Barcelona welcome back Pedri and Raphinha to bolster their creative options, Atletico’s defensive solidity has seen them concede just once in their last three outings.
With a spot in the final against either Athletic Bilbao or Real Sociedad at stake, the atmosphere at the Camp Nou is expected to be electric from kick-off.