Atlético Madrid and Barcelona have been paired in the semi-final of the 2025-26 Copa del Rey, setting up a two-leg tie that will place Ademola Lookman and Lamine Yamal on opposite sides following the draw conducted by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, Footynaija.com reports.
Atlético booked their place in the last four with a 5-0 win over Real Betis, a match that marked the first competitive appearance of Lookman for the capital club.
The Nigeria international, signed from Atalanta at the start of February on a long-term contract, was named in Diego Simeone’s starting eleven and delivered a goal and an assist, before being withdrawn late in the second half.
That result placed the club among the final four alongside Barcelona, Athletic Club and Real Sociedad.
Barca, for their part, secured semi-final place with a 2-1 win over Albacete in the quarter finals. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in that match, giving the holders early control.
The teenager’s goal proved decisive as Barcelona protected their lead to progress, maintaining their defence of the trophy they lifted in the previous edition of the competition.
The pairing sets up a direct meeting between Lookman, who arrived in Spain after three productive seasons in Italy, and Yamal, the teenage winger who has become a regular starter for the Blaugrana.
Yamal is on a scoring run that has seen him register 14 goals and 12 assists across all competitions. He has also provided nine assists in LaLiga this season.
Before joining Atlético, the Super Eagles winger scored three goals and registered two assists in 19 appearances for Atalanta this season. He also contributed three goals and four assists at AFCON 2025.
The semi final will be played over two legs, with Atlético scheduled to host the first meeting at the Metropolitano on 11 February before the return leg takes place on 4 March in Barcelona.
