In a thrilling encounter at the Estadio Metropolitano, FC Barcelona secured their spot in the Copa del Rey final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid on April 2, 2025. Ferran Torres was the hero for the Catalan side, scoring the decisive goal in the first half, which allowed them to advance 5-4 on aggregate after a dramatic 4-4 draw in the first leg earlier this year.
Barcelona's coach Hansi Flick surprised many by opting to start Torres over top scorer Robert Lewandowski, while Fermin Lopez took Gavi's place after the latter was sidelined with an injury. Atletico's Diego Simeone, on the other hand, continued to rely on Juan Musso in goal, a position he has held throughout the Copa del Rey campaign.
The match kicked off with an electrifying pace as both teams aimed to assert their dominance early on. Lamine Yamal nearly set up Torres within the opening minute, showcasing Barcelona's attacking intent. However, Atletico's defense was under pressure right from the start, with Cesar Azpilicueta narrowly escaping a VAR check for a dangerous challenge on Raphinha just eight minutes in. Tensions flared as Rodrigo De Paul received a yellow card for another late tackle on the Brazilian.
Barcelona began to find their rhythm, controlling possession and creating opportunities in Atletico's half. It was only a matter of time before they broke the deadlock. In the 27th minute, Yamal delivered a perfectly timed through ball that Torres expertly converted with a first-time finish, sending the ball past Musso and into the net. The visitors continued to press for a second goal, with Yamal and Raphinha both coming close during a frantic scramble in the penalty area.
Atletico, meanwhile, struggled to find their footing in the first half, managing only a single significant chance—a header from Robin Le Normand that sailed over the bar. The halftime whistle brought an end to a first half dominated by Barcelona, who were in control and looking to maintain their lead.
As the second half commenced, Simeone made three substitutions, switching to a more aggressive 3-4-3 formation in hopes of turning the tide. This tactical shift injected energy into Atletico, and they began to apply pressure on Barcelona's defense. Sorloth, one of the substitutes, had a golden opportunity to equalize but fired into the side netting just six minutes into the half.
Despite Atletico's attempts to gain momentum, Barcelona's defense, marshaled by Inigo Martinez and Ronald Araujo, held firm. Flick responded to the mounting pressure by introducing Lewandowski in the 74th minute, aiming to bolster his side's attacking options and relieve some of the defensive burden.
As the match wore on, Atletico continued to push forward, desperately seeking an equalizer. They had a goal disallowed for offside in the 69th minute, as Sorloth's strike was ruled out, keeping Barcelona in the lead. The tension in the stadium escalated as Atletico sent several crosses into the box in the dying moments, but Barcelona's defense remained resolute, ensuring that goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was not forced into any difficult saves.
With the final whistle, Barcelona secured their place in the Copa del Rey final, where they will face their fierce rivals Real Madrid. This matchup will mark the first time the two clubs have met in the final since the 2013-14 season. Barcelona, the most successful club in Copa del Rey history with 31 titles, had not reached the final since 2021, when they triumphed over Athletic Bilbao.
Torres expressed his joy following the match, stating, "It feels great to win here, and it’s even more special that it means we have qualified for the final. It’s always good motivation to be in a final, even more so when it’s against a direct rival." Meanwhile, Atletico's defender José María Giménez lamented the loss, saying, "We are just as sad as our fans. We have to raise our heads and try to finish the season the best way possible."
Atletico Madrid's elimination from the Copa del Rey adds to their woes this season, as they also faced disappointment in the Champions League and currently trail Barcelona by nine points in La Liga. Simeone acknowledged the challenges his team has faced, stating, "Our team has competed really well. We’re having a good season and we'll keep going with the game-by-game mentality. We’ll try to improve to get closer to the teams above us, accepting what we are."
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming final in Seville on April 26, 2025, both teams will be eager to claim the prestigious trophy and assert their dominance in Spanish football. Barcelona will enter the match with confidence, having already defeated Madrid earlier this season in both the Spanish league and the Supercopa de España. The stage is set for a classic showdown, and fans can expect nothing less than fireworks when these two giants clash once again.
