For the first time in over a decade, the Copa del Rey will witness a Clásico final as Barcelona edged past Atlético Madrid in a tense semifinal second leg. The Catalan giants, who had played out a thrilling 4-4 draw in the first leg at Montjuïc, showcased a contrasting approach at the Metropolitano—dominance in possession followed by defensive resilience.
A single goal from Ferran Torres proved decisive, sending Barcelona into a much-anticipated final against their eternal rivals, Real Madrid. “We will have to work hard,” said Barcelona boss Hansi Flick. “At the club, they have a lot of space for more titles.”
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Atlético’s Season Unravels as Barcelona Hold Firm
For Diego Simeone’s men, this match marked the conclusion of their silverware aspirations. What once seemed a promising season has unraveled in just five weeks, with Atlético crashing out of all major competitions. Their Champions League dream was ended on penalties by Real Madrid, their league title bid has faded as they now sit nine points off the top, and their Copa del Rey journey is over.
“There’s nothing to reproach,” Simeone insisted, defending his squad’s performance. However, defender José María Giménez felt otherwise, apologizing for the team’s dismal first-half display. Atlético’s efforts improved after the break, but their lack of a shot on target underscored the bluntness of their attack.
Barcelona’s First-Half Brilliance
The match opened with an electrifying pace, promising a repeat of the goal-laden first leg. Lamine Yamal burst forward on the right, while Marcos Llorente surged upfield for Atlético, setting an early tempo. The aggression was evident, with fierce challenges adding to the intensity.
Yet, it was Barcelona who dictated proceedings, methodically moving the ball with precision. Pedri orchestrated play from midfield with elegance, Frenkie de Jong controlled the tempo, and Fermín López’s intelligent movement provided an additional offensive threat. But the real difference-maker was Lamine Yamal.
The 16-year-old prodigy was at the heart of Barcelona’s attacking endeavors. While his dribbling was dangerous, it was his vision and passing that unlocked Atlético’s defense. One such moment came in the 11th minute when he curled a shot just wide after a quick exchange in the box. He soon turned provider, threading an angled pass into the area where Torres pounced, guiding the ball past Juan Musso for the game’s only goal.
Atlético’s Brief Resurgence Falls Short
Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Simeone made key substitutions, bringing on Clément Lenglet, Javi Galán, and Alex Sørloth in a bid to shift the momentum. Antoine Griezmann volleyed wide early in the second half, signaling Atlético’s intent. The home crowd responded, amplifying their support as belief started to build.
The defining moment arrived when Rodrigo De Paul played a perfect pass into Sørloth’s path. The Norwegian striker found himself one-on-one with Wojciech Szczesny, but instead of delivering a composed finish, he fired into the side netting. It was a golden opportunity squandered.
Barcelona sensed the growing danger and adapted accordingly. Flick reinforced his defense, introducing Eric García and Ronald Araújo to solidify their shape. The fouls increased as Barcelona disrupted Atlético’s rhythm, committing more infringements than in any other game this season.
VAR Denies Atlético a Late Equalizer
Atlético thought they had found a lifeline when Sørloth latched onto Julián Álvarez’s flick and smashed the ball into the net with 20 minutes remaining. However, celebrations were short-lived as the offside flag was raised, confirming the hosts’ worst fears.
Even in stoppage time, Atlético pushed forward in desperation, sending goalkeeper Musso up for a corner in the 94th minute. But Barcelona’s defense held firm, ensuring their place in the final.
El Clásico Final Awaits in Seville
Barcelona’s victory sets up a dream Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, bringing back one of football’s most intense rivalries to the grand stage. The final will take place on April 26th at Sevilla’s Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium, a fitting venue for what promises to be a high-stakes encounter between two clubs still chasing multiple trophies this season.
This will be the first Copa del Rey Clásico final since 2014, when Real Madrid triumphed 2-1 at the Mestalla. That memorable night saw Gareth Bale score his iconic solo goal, sprinting past Marc Bartra to secure the trophy for Los Blancos. A decade later, Barcelona will be determined to reverse that outcome and lift the cup at the expense of their fiercest rivals.
Read More: La Liga Questions Barcelona’s Financial Maneuvering Over Dani Olmo, Pau Victor Registrations
FAQs
When and where will the Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Real Madrid take place?
The final will be held on April 26th at Sevilla’s Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium.
When was the last time Barcelona and Real Madrid met in a Copa del Rey final?
The last Clásico Copa del Rey final took place in 2014, with Real Madrid winning 2-1 thanks to Gareth Bale’s stunning solo goal.
How did Barcelona reach the final?
Barcelona drew 4-4 in the first leg against Atlético Madrid at Montjuïc before securing a 1-0 victory in the second leg, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal.
What went wrong for Atlético Madrid in the semifinal?
Atlético Madrid struggled in the first half and failed to register a shot on target. A disallowed goal by Alex Sørloth further dented their hopes, sealing their exit from the competition.
What did Barcelona coach Hansi Flick say about the team’s performance?
Hansi Flick praised Barcelona’s balance, stating, “Not only with the ball, but also against the ball – and this is team work.”
