Atletico Madrid president wary of Barcelona’s threat following Copa del Rey semi-final draw | OneFootball

After thrashing Valencia in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, FC Barcelona learnt earlier this week that they will be facing bitter rivals Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals.

The Rojiblancos have already beaten the Blaugrana once this season in La Liga and will pose a big challenge for Hansi Flick & co.

The first leg of the semi-final tie will be played at Montjuic with the second leg set to take place at the Metropolitano in the first week of April.

Atletico Madrid president wary of Barcelona

Speaking at an event, Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo discussed the Copa del Rey semi-final draw, stating that whoever wins the tie between Barça and the Colchoneros could go all the way to win the trophy.

Atletico defeated Barcelona in La Liga. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“It would be magnificent to have a derby, but first we have to get past Barcelona, we have to play them first. They are a fantastic team and it will be very difficult to eliminate them, but we will be there,” said Cerezo, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

“They have been and are a great team, it will be a great tie, and I believe that whoever comes out of it could be the champion,” he added.

As mentioned earlier, though, Atletico Madrid got the better of Barcelona the last time they met in La Liga, securing a 2-1 comeback win at Montjuic with second-half goals from Rodrigo De Paul and Alexander Sorloth while Pedri scored for the Catalans.

The winner of the tie will go on to face one of Real Madrid or Real Sociedad in the finals of the Copa del Rey on April 26.