Barcelona and Atlético Madrid Play Out Thrilling 4-4 Draw as Simeone Targets Barça’s Transfer Priority
The Copa del Rey semi-final first leg between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid ended in a thrilling 4-4 draw, highlighting Barcelona’s urgent need to reinforce their defense with two top-quality full-backs if they hope to compete at the highest level.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid’s head coach, Diego Simeone, has dealt a potential blow to Barcelona’s transfer plans by urging his club to pursue one of Barça’s key summer targets.
Currently, Barcelona sits atop the La Liga table with 54 points, while Atlético Madrid closely follows in third place with 53 points. The competition between the two Spanish giants is not just on the pitch but also in the transfer market.
According to Diario Gol, Atlético Madrid has entered the race to sign Álvaro Carreras, a talented Benfica full-back who previously played for Real Madrid.
The report claims that the transfer could cost around €50 million—the amount needed to trigger his release clause.
Given Barcelona’s well-documented financial struggles, this hefty price tag may hinder their ability to secure the player’s signature.
Carreras has been a key figure for Benfica this season, featuring in 37 matches while contributing three goals and five assists. His performances have caught the attention of top European clubs, making him one of the most sought-after defenders in the upcoming transfer window.
Simeone’s move to hijack Barcelona’s pursuit of Carreras could significantly impact the Blaugrana’s summer plans, especially with their defensive vulnerabilities exposed in recent matches.
If Atlético succeeds in signing the player, it would not only strengthen their squad but also weaken Barcelona’s efforts to rebuild their backline.
As the season progresses, both clubs will continue to battle for domestic and European success, but their rivalry is now extending beyond the pitch into a fierce transfer war.
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