In an exhilarating encounter on Wednesday night, Barcelona edged past Atletico Madrid with a narrow 1-0 victory at the Wanda Metropolitano, securing their spot in the final of the Copa del Rey with a 5-4 aggregate win. The match, which kicked off at 9:30 PM Cairo time, saw Ferran Torres score the only goal in the 27th minute, assisted by the young talent Lamine Yamal.
The clash was highly anticipated, especially after the first leg ended in a thrilling 4-4 draw at Montjuic, where both teams showcased their attacking prowess. Barcelona, under the guidance of coach Hansi Flick, aimed to capitalize on their momentum and secure a place in the final against their arch-rivals Real Madrid, who had already booked their ticket by defeating Real Sociedad 5-4 in the other semi-final.
Barcelona's starting lineup featured Wojciech Szczesny in goal, with a defense comprising Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, and Alejandro Balde. The midfield was anchored by Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Fermin Lopez, while the attacking trio included Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Raphinha. Flick's strategy revolved around maintaining possession and pressing high up the pitch to unsettle Atletico's defense.
Atletico Madrid, managed by Diego Simeone, fielded a formidable side with Juan Musso in goal. Their defense included Reinildo, Jose Gimenez, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Lo Normand. The midfield featured Juliano Simeone, Pablo Barrios, Rodrigo De Paul, and Marcos Llorente, while Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann led the attack. Despite their efforts, Atletico struggled to penetrate Barcelona's organized defense.
The match showcased a fierce battle, with Atletico looking to respond after falling behind. However, they faced a well-structured Barcelona defense that thwarted multiple attempts, including a disallowed goal for offside in the 68th minute, which only added to the tension in the stadium.
Barcelona’s victory not only secured their place in the final but also highlighted their strong form this season, as they remain unbeaten in 2025. The team is currently leading La Liga with 66 points, just three ahead of Real Madrid, and are also preparing for a challenging quarter-final clash against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League.
As the match concluded, the players celebrated their hard-fought victory, with Barcelona fans expressing their delight at reaching yet another final. The win marks Barcelona's 43rd appearance in a Copa del Rey final, a testament to their storied history in Spanish football.
Looking ahead, Barcelona will face Real Madrid in what promises to be a thrilling final, with both teams vying for the prestigious trophy. The anticipation among fans is palpable, as this matchup is one of the most significant rivalries in world football.
In conclusion, Barcelona's success against Atletico Madrid not only cements their place in the final but also boosts their confidence as they aim for a potential double this season. With their eyes set on more silverware, the Catalan giants are ready to face their biggest rivals once again.
