In a thrilling encounter at the Metropolitano Stadium, Barcelona took a crucial step towards the Copa del Rey final by striking first against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their semi-final tie on April 2, 2025. The match, which kicked off at 21:30 CET, saw Ferran Torres score the opening goal, putting Barcelona ahead in the aggregate score after the first leg ended in a dramatic 4-4 draw.
Hansi Flick, Barcelona's head coach, made headlines with his surprising decision to start Ferran Torres as the main striker, leaving star forward Robert Lewandowski on the bench. This move was premeditated, as reported by journalist Toni Juanmarti, who noted that the substitution was discussed between the coach and Lewandowski in the days leading up to the match. Flick expressed confidence in Torres, stating, "Ferran is performing very well and responding well, and he’s been very important in the Copa del Rey, which is why he’s a starter."
Barcelona came into this match with momentum, having recently defeated Atletico 4-2 in La Liga, and they maintained that form early in the game. The visitors dominated possession and created several chances before breaking the deadlock in the 27th minute. Lamine Yamal, showcasing his exceptional playmaking ability, delivered a perfectly weighted assist to Torres, who made no mistake in slotting the ball past Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso. The goal not only highlighted Torres's scoring prowess but also marked his 16th goal of the season across all competitions.
The atmosphere at the Metropolitano was electric, with both sets of fans eager to see their teams progress to the final. Atletico Madrid, who had hoped to capitalize on their home advantage, faced an uphill battle after conceding early. Despite the setback, Diego Simeone's side remained resilient, pushing forward in search of an equalizer.
As the first half progressed, Atletico began to find their rhythm, creating a few opportunities to level the score. Alexander Sorloth, who had been a key player in the first leg, missed a golden chance in the 53rd minute, firing his shot into the side netting when he should have tested the goalkeeper. Antoine Griezmann also had a close call, but his shot from inside the box was saved by Wojciech Szczesny, who was solid in goal for Barcelona.
Barcelona's defense, bolstered by the likes of Jules Kounde and Inigo Martinez, held firm against Atletico's attacks. The visitors were able to weather the storm, with Szczesny making crucial saves to maintain their lead. However, the match was far from over, and Atletico continued to press for an equalizer, knowing that a goal would change the dynamics of the tie.
In the 60th minute, Flick made tactical adjustments, bringing on Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia to shore up the defense as Atletico ramped up their pressure. The substitution was a strategic move to maintain control of the game and preserve their lead. Barcelona's bench was deep, with Lewandowski and other key players ready to make an impact if needed.
Despite Atletico's efforts, Barcelona's midfield, led by Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, controlled the tempo of the match. They effectively transitioned from defense to attack, creating multiple opportunities to extend their lead. Raphinha, who had been a threat throughout the match, came close to scoring in the 55th minute but was unable to convert.
As the match approached its final stages, Atletico's frustration grew. They struggled to break down Barcelona's organized defense, and the tension in the stadium was palpable. Fans from both sides were on the edge of their seats, hoping for a moment of magic to change the course of the game.
With the clock ticking down, Atletico made aggressive substitutions, hoping to find fresh legs to spark a comeback. Sorloth was replaced by Clement Lenglet, and Javi Galan came on for Reinildo in a bid to add attacking impetus. However, Barcelona's defense remained resolute, and the visitors looked poised to secure their place in the final.
As the final whistle approached, Barcelona continued to defend their lead, demonstrating their experience in high-pressure situations. The match concluded with Barcelona leading 1-0 on the night, giving them a 5-4 advantage on aggregate and securing their spot in the Copa del Rey final against their arch-rivals, Real Madrid, who had defeated Real Sociedad in a thrilling penalty shootout the previous day.
This victory marks a significant moment for Barcelona, as they aim to reclaim the Copa del Rey title, having last won it in the 2020-21 season. Hansi Flick's tactical decisions and the performance of his players, particularly Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal, will be critical as they prepare for the final showdown.
As for Atletico, this defeat adds to a challenging season, as they now face the reality of being out of contention for major silverware. With their Champions League hopes dashed and their La Liga title aspirations dwindling, the focus will shift to rebuilding for the next season.
Barcelona's impressive run continues, and fans will be eagerly anticipating the final against Real Madrid, a match that promises to be a classic encounter between two of football's biggest rivals.
