Being one of Spain's most anticipated rivalries, Barcelona and Atletico will start defining one of the semi-finalists for this year's Copa del Rey. Both clubs made it to the next stage in last season's tournament, meaning this year history cannot repeat itself. If stats had any say in this matter, who would be the fittest to make it to the next round? Check the facts and decide for yourself.
Atletico will look for their first win at Camp Nou in almost 9 years
Even with their recently undefeated streak against Los Blaugranas, Atletico Madrid have one task to accomplish: Winning at Camp Nou Stadium. Their last victory at Barcelona's home turf goes back to February 5th, 2006. On that day, Atletico won with goals by Maxi Rodriguez and a brace by none other than "El Niño", Fernando Torres. Since then, Barcelona have mangled los Colchoneros, including a 6-1 victory in 2008 and a 5-0 thrashing in 2011.
Discipline, key factor to Atletico's survival
If Simeone's men want to get a good result at Camp Nou, then they should restrain themselves of using excessive force against Barcelona's players. Taking into consideration their last six matches at Barca's home turf, Atletico Madrid's players have seen 22 yellow cards, while two players were sent off during these matches. Particularly, the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup saw Atletico pound Barcelona's players with 27 fouls, having four yellow cards and the two reds we discussed earlier.
Barça's scoring machine against Atletico
Yes, Atletico managed to hold Barcelona's offense to just five goals in their last six matches overall, three of those scored on January 11. But if you take a deeper look at Atletico's visits to Camp Nou, even with Simeone at the helm, Los Colchoneros suffered to hold their opponent's strikers. The Blaugrana side scored a whopping 14 goals against Atletico, conceding only four. Atletico's chances of winning the series will increase as long as they can keep a clean sheet as long as possible.
Fifth knockout meeting between Barça and Los Colchoneros
This will be the third time these two sides clash in Copa del Rey matchups this millenium. Their first meeting in the year 2000 ended up with a historic forfeit by Barcelona, who did not have enough players to take part of the match. Atletico had won the first leg 3-0. Their second meeting considering this tournament gave Barça the chance to earn some payback, winning 3-1 at Vicente Calderon Stadium, while beating Los Colchoneros 2-1 on the second leg. Taking into account other tournaments, Barcelona won the Spanish Super Cup by the away goal rule in 2013, while Simeone's crew ousted Los Culés in their UEFA Champions League matchup held in April 2014.
Barcelona dominate Atletico when they play in January
Counting their last league game, Atletico Madrid have not been able to defeat Barça while playing in January. Los Culés have won three out of four games played during the first month of the year. Besides the 3-1 result mentioned earlier, Barcelona can add to their tally both Copa del Rey results of 2009. Atletico's only "favorable" result was a 0-0 draw last year.
