Copa del Rey Semi-Final Draw Sets Up Blockbuster Barcelona-Atletico Madrid Rematch and All-Basque Derby

The Copa del Rey semi-final draw conducted at the Royal Spanish Football Federation headquarters in Las Rozas on Thursday afternoon has set up two compelling last-four encounters that promise to deliver high drama across four matches in February and March. Reigning champions Barcelona have been pitted against Atletico Madrid in what will be a repeat of last year's semi-final clash, while Athletic Club will face Real Sociedad in an emotionally charged all-Basque derby.

Barcelona's meeting with Atletico represents one of the most intriguing matchups of the season, particularly given the recent addition of Ademola Lookman to Los Colchoneros' attacking arsenal. The Nigerian international made a dream debut just days ago, scoring and assisting in Atletico's dominant 5-0 Copa del Rey quarter-final victory over Real Betis. Barcelona won their previous semi-final encounter 5-4 on aggregate last season en route to lifting the trophy, adding extra spice to this renewal of hostilities between two Spanish giants.

The fixture schedule sees the first legs contested on February 10 and 11, with the Barcelona-Atletico tie's opening match taking place at the Metropolitano in Madrid. The return legs are scheduled for March 4 and 5, with the decisive second encounter between Barcelona and Atletico set for the iconic Spotify Camp Nou. Both clubs will be determined to secure a vital first-leg advantage before the home supporters in what promises to be a tactical chess match between two of La Liga's most sophisticated teams.

The other semi-final brings together Athletic Club and Real Sociedad in a Basque derby that transcends mere football rivalry. Both sides needed late heroics to advance from the quarter-finals, with Inaki Williams proving decisive for Athletic against Valencia while Orri Oskarsson netted a crucial late goal as La Real eliminated Alaves. The passionate support from both sets of fans and the regional pride at stake will create an atmosphere unlike any other in Spanish football.

The winners of these two semi-finals will meet in the Copa del Rey final, scheduled for later in the spring at a neutral venue. Barcelona enter as defending champions and favorites to retain their crown, but the unpredictable nature of cup football means any of the four remaining clubs harbor genuine ambitions of lifting the trophy. With domestic league form often taking a backseat to cup glory, these semi-finals promise to showcase Spanish football at its most intense and competitive.