Copa del Rey semi-final: Atletico vs. Barcelona starting line-ups

Copa del Rey semi-final: Atletico vs. Barcelona starting line-ups

Luis Enrique's biggest selection headache was who to play in midfield in the continued absence of Iniesta and Busquets

To score a goal. That's Barcelona main objective on Wednesday in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal against Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon. To score the away goal which would allow them to then finish the job at Camp Nou. Because the Blaugrana are taking on this semifinal like 180 minute game in which a goal away from home could prove decisive in their bid to reach their first final of the season. 

To achieve the target of scoring, at least, one goal, Luis Enrique has the trident of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar in place. Messi has scored 25 goals against Atletico in the past. There's more pressure on the MSN to perform, too, given the absence of midfield duo Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta.  

In this sense, Luis Enrique has had to improvise once again in midfield. On this occasion, the chosen trio is made up of Javier Mascherano, in the deeper of the three positions, with Andre Gomes and Ivan Rakitic ahead of him. Denis Suarez (who started against Real Betis), Arda Turan and Rafinha have to make do with a place among the substitutes. 

In defence, the starters who rested at the weekend are back. That's to say, Gerard Pique (the only one who did start at Betis) is joined by Sergi Roberto, Samuel Umtiti and Jordi Alba to try and stop Antoine Griezmann and Co.

Teams for Atlético-FC Barcelona:

ATLETICO: Moyá; Vrsaliko, Savic, Godín, Filipe Luis; Juanfran, Gabi, Saúl, Koke; Carrasco, Griezmann.

BARCELONA: Cillessen; Sergi Roberto, Piqué, Umtiti, Jordi Alba; Mascherano, André Gomes, Rakitic; Messi, Luis Suárez; Neymar.