Barcelona is set to face arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final after securing a hard-fought victory over Atletico Madrid. Ferran Torres netted the decisive goal in a 1-0 win at the Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday, ensuring Barcelona advanced with a 5-4 aggregate score following a dramatic semi-final.
Dominant Performance by Barcelona
Having won the competition a record 31 times, Barcelona demonstrated their dominance in the second leg after an intense 4-4 draw in the first match. The loss leaves Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid with minimal hopes for the remainder of the season.
Unlike Atletico, the Catalan giants are in the hunt for multiple trophies, remaining unbeaten in 2025 with an impressive 21-match streak. Atletico was the last team to defeat Barcelona, achieving the feat before Christmas to briefly claim the top spot in La Liga. However, they now find themselves nine points adrift of Hansi Flick’s squad, with nine league matches left to play.
Torres Reacts to Victory
“We can’t afford to relax; we need to keep believing, working hard, and staying humble. Good things will come,” said Torres in a post-match interview with Movistar. “If a final is already a huge motivation, imagine facing your biggest rival.”
Real Madrid’s Path to the Final
Real Madrid also booked their place in the final after a thrilling semi-final clash against Real Sociedad. Their 4-4 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday saw them progress with a 5-4 aggregate victory.
Tactical Battle and Key Moments
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick reinstated Raphinha to the starting lineup, with Atletico attempting to neutralize the Brazilian’s impact by any means necessary. Cesar Azpilicueta received a yellow card for a tough challenge, escaping a potential red card after a VAR review, while Rodrigo de Paul was also booked for a heavy tackle.
On the opposite flank, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal orchestrated Barcelona’s attack, narrowly missing a shot and setting up Jules Kounde, who skillfully flicked the ball over Robin Le Normand before striking over the bar. It was Yamal who provided the assist for Torres’ goal, delivering a perfectly weighted pass that the ex-Manchester City forward clinically converted.
Atletico’s goalkeeper Juan Musso denied Raphinha from close range, while Alexander Sorloth, introduced at halftime, nearly equalized but fired just wide. He later found the back of the net, only to see his goal disallowed for offside.
Late Drama and Barcelona’s Resilience
With Atletico pressing for an equalizer in stoppage time, Musso even joined the attack for a late set piece, but Barcelona withstood the pressure to secure their place in the final.
“We played with courage; it wasn’t easy, especially in the second half,” Flick told Barca One. “The job isn’t done yet. We are fighting for titles, and the team is performing excellently.”
Atletico’s Season in Disappointment
For Atletico, the Copa del Rey represented their most realistic shot at silverware after their Champions League elimination at the hands of Real Madrid in the last 16. Defender Jose Gimenez expressed his disappointment: “We appreciate the fans’ support; we share their sadness. We must hold our heads high, finish the season strong, and keep pushing forward.”
The Stage is Set for a Classic Final
With the final set, all eyes will be on Barcelona and Real Madrid as they prepare to battle for Spanish football’s most prestigious domestic cup. The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in one of the sport’s most storied rivalries.
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