Real Sociedad beat Athletic Club at San Mamés in the first leg of the Copa del Rey Basque derby semi-final. The San Sebastian side, with an outstanding Oyarzabal, showed that they are currently far superior to their neighbours, who are hampered by too many injuries to key players. In fact, the worst thing for Real Sociedad and the best thing for Athletic was the result, as the advantage is only one goal.

In the second semi-final, Atlético Madrid, led by an imperial Antoine Griezmann, played their best 45 minutes of the season and Barcelona their worst of the Flick era. The Rojiblancos scored four goals in the first half, leaving the tie heavily in favour of Diego Pablo Simeone's side. Barça were severely hampered by the absences of Raphinha and Pedri and looked too vulnerable in defence.

Results of the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals

• Athletic 0-1 Real Sociedad
• Atlético Madrid 4-0 Barcelona

The second leg in three weeks

The best thing for Barcelona, and especially for Athletic, is that the second leg of the semi-finals is in three weeks, in the first week of March. It is hoped that by then Ernesto Valverde will have key players such as Sancet, Berenguer, Yuri and Vivian back, and that Nico Williams will have recovered from his groin injury after playing only one match per week. Real Sociedad are favourites at Anoeta, but the one-goal advantage leaves the tie still to be decided.

Similarly, Hansi Flick is expected to have Raphinha and Pedri back. With those two players and an inspired Lamine Yamal, Barcelona can dream of a comeback at the Camp Nou. They will have a tough task, as Atlético Madrid have a significant advantage and Simeone's side know that they have a golden opportunity to play in the Copa del Rey final at La Cartuja in Seville. Since winning the title at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid in 2013, they have not returned to a final.

Copa del Rey semi-final second legs

• Barcelona - Atlético Madrid (03/03 21:00)
• Real Sociedad - Athletic (04/03 21:00)