On February 25, 2025, the highly anticipated Copa del Rey semifinal match between FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid unfolded at the Olympico de Montjuic, generating significant buzz among fans. The tension was palpable from the start, as both teams aimed to establish dominance early on.
Atletico Madrid, managed by Diego Simeone, fielded a surprising lineup which saw Juan Musso starting as goalkeeper instead of Jan Oblak. This marked a significant moment for Musso, who had been primarily on the bench and was about to face one of the biggest challenges of his career. Having joined Atletico on loan from Atalanta, the Argentine goalkeeper had been waiting for this moment, and he would be tested right from the kickoff.
The match kicked off with Flamengo immediately demonstrating their intent. Just one minute in, Julian Alvarez scored the opening goal for Atletico, catching the Barcelona defense by surprise and sending the traveling supporters wild. Following this, Atletico doubled their lead at the five-minute mark, with Antoine Griezmann finishing off a swift counter-attack assisted by Alvarez, making it 2-0.
Despite the two-goal deficit, Barcelona rallied back, quickly finding their rhythm. The hosts responded with determination, and just 11 minutes later, Ferran Torres had a prime opportunity to score but was denied by Musso, who made a commendable save to keep Atletico's lead intact. The momentum soon swung back to Barcelona as Pedri and then Pau Cubarsí found the net, leveling the game at 2-2.
Barcelona appeared to regain control by charging forward, and their hard work bore fruit when Iñigo Martínez scored from another corner, putting Barcelona up 3-2 just before halftime. A remarkable first half highlighted by offensive plays from both sides, it captivated the onlookers throughout.
Memes about Juan Musso and Lamine Yamal flooded social media, showcasing fans' mixed reactions to their performances. Musso's gaffes were central to many jokes online as quick-witted fans compared the goalkeeper’s errors to the playful mishaps of comic characters, emphasizing the light-hearted side of the intense rivalry.
Yet there were moments of brilliance too, as Lamine Yamal's attempts on goal were both highlighted and ridiculed, yet it was clear the young star still had tremendous potential to showcase. Yamal had not scored since the previous Clasico against Real Madrid and was seen as one of the key players to turn the tide for Barcelona.
With the second half underway, things turned dramatic once again. Atletico had chances to equalize but were thwarted by Szczęsny, who blocked attempts from Griezmann and others. Musso kept his cool amid the pressure, demonstrating his reliability as he defended numerous onslaughts from the relentless Catalan side.
Player tensions grew as the match rapidly became more physical, featuring hard tackles and heated disputes. Both coaches, Simeone and Hansi Flick, animatedly engaged with their respective teams, urging stronger performances. The match’s atmosphere was electric as each side fought for supremacy, with every hint of advantage resulting in rapturous applause or jeering comments from the crowd.
Eventually, again sharp on the counter, Atletico would find themselves offside, as Sorloth’s well-timed strike was ruled out following VAR review. The excitement didn’t waiver, as moments later Yamal spun away from his marker on the right flank to assist Robert Lewandowski for the fourth goal of the night, putting Barcelona up 4-2.
Musso’s performance continued to be narrative fuel, as his development as goalkeeper garnered both praise and scrutiny across social media discussions and news reports alike. Fans noted his remarkable size and presence, quipping about his contribution to the contest, showcasing how quickly attitudes can pivot based on performance on such grand stages.
This Copa del Rey semifinal brought excitement not only through its goals and action but also through the young talents of both teams and the seasoned veterans' upfront display of skill. Following the final whistle, the result left fans eager for the second leg scheduled for April 2, 2025.
Barcelona ended this match against Atletico with the upper hand going forward but with the aggregate score to determine who will proceed to the finals still firmly in the balance. Fans and players alike have their eyes glued to what promises to be another thrilling encounter when both teams meet again at the Metropolitan Stadium.