Copa Del Rey Semi-Finals: Barcelona Missing Marcus Rashford, Raphinha For First Leg vs Atletico Madrid

In a significant blow to FC Barcelona's hopes in the Copa del Rey semi-final, the club confirmed that they will be without both Marcus Rashford and Raphinha for the first leg against Atletico Madrid. Rashford, who recently joined Barcelona on loan, is sidelined due to a hamstring injury, while Raphinha is unavailable due to suspension following his red card in the previous round. This absence of key players comes at a critical juncture as Barcelona aims to secure a favorable result in the tournament. The team will need to rely on their remaining squad depth and tactical adjustments to overcome Atletico Madrid, who are known for their strong defensive setup. The clash is set to take place on Thursday, and both teams will be eager to establish an advantage ahead of the return leg. Historically, Barcelona has had a competitive edge over Atletico in domestic cup competitions, but the absence of these two influential wingers could present a challenging scenario for the Catalan club. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how coach Xavi Hernandez adapts his strategy in light of these key absences.