Barcelona clinched a spot in the Copa del Rey final against rivals Real Madrid on Wednesday, thanks to Ferran Torres’ lone goal in a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid.
The win at the Metropolitano sealed a 5-4 aggregate triumph in the semi-final following a thrilling 4-4 first-leg draw. Record 31-time champions Barcelona now eye a quadruple, unbeaten in 21 games in 2025.
Atletico, led by Diego Simeone, faltered after the loss. Before Christmas, their last win over Barcelona had briefly put them atop La Liga. Now, they trail Hansi Flick’s squad by nine points with nine games left. “We can’t ease up,” Torres told Movistar. “A final against our biggest rival is a huge motivation.”
🚨 FULL TIME!!!!!!!!!! 🚨
INTO THE COPA DEL REY FINAL! pic.twitter.com/Dy4GOTQdaX
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 2, 2025Real Madrid also advanced, edging Real Sociedad 5-4 on aggregate after a 4-4 draw. For Barcelona, Flick reinstated winger Raphinha, who faced rough tackles from Cesar Azpilicueta and Rodrigo de Paul—both booked. Teen star Lamine Yamal dazzled, setting up Torres’ clinical finish while nearly scoring himself. Atletico’s Juan Musso denied Raphinha twice, keeping the hosts in contention.
EL CLÁSICO IN THE COPA DEL REY FINAL FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 11 YEARS 🍿 pic.twitter.com/BtyJ0ko4lJ
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 2, 2025Simeone’s halftime triple substitution, including Alexander Sorloth, sparked hope. Sorloth, a scorer in prior clashes, missed a golden chance and saw a late goal ruled offside. Barcelona’s defence, bolstered by sub-Robert Lewandowski, held firm despite a tense finish with Musso joining a final free-kick push.
“We played with guts,” Flick told Barca One. “The job’s not done, but we’re on track for titles.” Barcelona’s unbeaten run and final berth fuel their season ambitions. The Copa was their best shot at silverware for Atletico after a Champions League exit to Real Madrid. “We’re as sad as our fans,” said defender Jose Gimenez. “We’ll keep fighting to end the season strong.”
