Barcelona’s Path to Glory
Barcelona secures final berth in the Copa del Rey with a tense 1-0 triumph over Atlético Madrid on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Riyad Air Metropolitano Stadium in the semi-final second leg. Ferran Torres’ 27th-minute strike, assisted by Lamine Yamal, clinched a 5-4 aggregate victory after a 4-4 first-leg draw. The win sets up a blockbuster El Clásico final against Real Madrid on April 26.
First Half: Early Drama and a Breakthrough
The match kicked off with controversy as Atlético’s César Azpilicueta fouled Barcelona’s Rafinha in the 5th minute, earning a yellow card despite Catalan calls for a red. After a VAR review, the decision stood. Lamine Yamal threatened in the 11th minute, firing over the bar, before teeing up Torres in the 27th. Torres slotted a low shot past goalkeeper Musso, giving Barcelona the lead. Yamal nearly doubled it two minutes later, but Musso denied him.
Barcelona Secures Final with Defensive Resolve
The second half saw Atlético fight back. Alexander Sorloth missed a golden chance early on, shooting into the side netting. He found the net in the 69th minute, only for an offside call to rule it out. Marcos Llorente tested Szczesny in the 71st, but the Barcelona keeper stood firm. Atlético pressed late, but Barcelona’s defense held, securing their spot in the final.
Atlético’s Frustration Grows
Barcelona’s dominance over Atlético this season continues, following a 4-2 La Liga win two weeks prior. Despite Musso’s heroics—saving Rafinha’s 39th-minute effort—Atlético couldn’t overturn the deficit. Diego Simeone’s side pushed hard, but Barcelona’s resilience and Torres’ goal proved decisive, avenging their earlier 2-1 league loss.
El Clásico Awaits
With Real Madrid advancing past Real Sociedad, the stage is set for a thrilling Copa del Rey final at the Estadio Olimpico de Seville. Barcelona’s blend of youthful flair from Yamal and clinical finishing from Torres promises a fierce clash with their arch-rivals. Fans are already counting down to April 26.
