Barcelona's hopes of winning the Spanish Supercopa rest on beating Atletico and then Real Madrid, but coach Ernesto Valverde has questioned the participation of both clubs in the competition.
The Supercopa has traditionally been contested between the winner of LaLiga and the Copa del Rey holders, but this year changed format and features four clubs in action out in Saudi Arabia.
In the revamped competition, the top two from LaLiga qualify, along with the two cup finalists.
Atletico are therefore included after finishing second in the Primera Division last term, while Real Madrid are involved because Barca won the league and also made the cup final, meaning third place in the table was eligible.
Asked about playing in Saudi Arabia instead of the traditional two-legged series home and away, Valverde said on Wednesday: "This is my fifth Supercopa. And when I was league champion, I had to play away (last season's Supercopa took place in Morocco)."
In reference to Madrid and Atletico, he added: "But it seems strange to me to play with two invited teams."
Barca face Atleti in the second semi-final on Thursday and will meet Madrid in the final on Sunday if they advance, after Los Blancos beat Valencia 3-1 in the other last-four match on Wednesday.
"It has always been the first title of the season, between the league champion and the cup winner," Valverde said. "It seems to me that it was good like that. It has changed. We'll assess it when it's over.
"What is clear is that the games are attractive for the fans, but from a sporting point of view, there is only one league champion. And only one cup champion."
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