Diego Simeone has challenged Atletico Madrid to prove themselves as worthy Copa del Rey winners by beating Barcelona in the last four.
Atleti were pitted against the holders in the semi-final draw on Friday, with the winners set to meet either Alaves or Celta Vigo - the conquerors of Real Madrid - in the final.
Simeone says it is no surprise to have to face Barca at this stage of a major competition and wants his players to show they are of the same calibre as Luis Enrique's side.
"I value it as a semi-final and it's normal to face these against major teams, we're used to that," he told a news conference on Friday.
"To reach the best, you have to be champion and you have to go through them [Barca]. They're the best in the world.
"We've had five years here and I don't understand any way to be champion other than to face them. They're usually in the semi-finals of the Copa, of the Champions League...
"It's the normal road for the Copa."
"We want to improve - we'll try to grow," he said. "Alaves are a well-organised team, they do fantastic work, they raise their capabilities when they face the strongest.
"They know what they want, they have very fast people up front. They're a dangerous team."
