In a gripping encounter at the Metropolitano Stadium, Barcelona edged past Atlético Madrid with a narrow 1-0 victory in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on April 2, 2025. This win, following a thrilling 4-4 draw in the first leg, sees Barcelona advance to the final against their arch-rivals Real Madrid.
The only goal of the match came from Ferran Torres, who scored in the first half, capitalizing on a brilliant through ball from Lamine Yamal. Torres's right-footed effort found the bottom left corner, sending the Barcelona fans into a frenzy. This crucial goal not only secured the tie for Barcelona but also showcased their resilience and determination to clinch the Copa del Rey title.
Barcelona arrived in Madrid with high spirits, riding the momentum from their recent La Liga victory over Atlético, where they came back from a two-goal deficit to win 4-2. Coach Hansi Flick's side has been in excellent form, currently leading La Liga by three points over Real Madrid, and they are also preparing for a Champions League quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund.
Despite the loss, Atlético Madrid showed grit and determination throughout the match. Their top scorer, Julián Álvarez, was a constant threat, but the Barcelona defense, led by the impressive Ronald Araujo, managed to keep him at bay. Álvarez, who has five goals in six Copa del Rey matches, was unable to add to his tally on this occasion.
The match was tightly contested, with both teams creating several chances. Atlético's José María Giménez came close with a header from the center of the box, but his effort sailed over the bar. Barcelona's Raphinha also had a couple of shots blocked, showcasing the intensity of the defensive battle.
As the match progressed, tensions escalated. Several players received yellow cards, including Gerard Martín from Barcelona and Nahuel Molina from Atlético, reflecting the physical nature of the encounter. The referee announced four minutes of added time, but Atlético could not find the equalizer they desperately needed.
Barcelona's victory not only secures their place in the Copa del Rey final but also adds to their confidence as they continue their pursuit of a treble this season. The team is looking to capitalize on their current form as they prepare for the upcoming challenges in both domestic and European competitions.
In the aftermath of the match, Flick praised his team's performance, stating, "We showed great character and resilience, especially after the first leg. Our focus now shifts to the final and the other competitions ahead of us." Meanwhile, Atlético's coach Diego Simeone expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about his team's future, emphasizing the need to learn from this experience.
The Copa del Rey final will take place soon, and with Barcelona set to face Real Madrid, fans can expect an electrifying clash between two of the biggest rivals in football. This match is not just about the trophy; it’s about pride and supremacy in Spanish football.
