Barcelona is back in the Copa del Rey final after defeating Atlético Madrid 1-0 on Wednesday, securing a 5-4 aggregate win following a 4-4 draw in the first leg in Barcelona back in February. Ferran Torres was the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 27th minute.
The Catalan club will now face Real Madrid in a highly anticipated final, marking the first Copa del Rey showdown between these two giants since the 2013-14 season, when Madrid won the title with a memorable Gareth Bale goal.
Torres expressed his excitement about reaching the final: “Winning here feels great, getting to the final is amazing. Just imagine, a final against your biggest rival.”
This marks another frustrating elimination for Atlético Madrid, who were knocked out by Real Madrid in the Champions League last month via penalties. Atlético’s head coach, Diego Simeone, praised his players for their effort, saying, “There are no reproaches because, from the competition, from wanting to give everything, the players are giving absolutely everything. It’s what the team can give, and I believe we are giving our maximum. I aspire to continue this way in the league.”
READ MORE: Oracle Denies Data Breach Amid Growing Evidence of Compromise
Barcelona, the most successful team in Copa del Rey history with 31 titles, hadn’t reached the final since 2021, when they triumphed over Athletic Bilbao.
On the other hand, Real Madrid will compete in their second Copa del Rey final in three seasons, having won their 20th title in 2023 against Osasuna.
The final will be played on April 26 in Seville, marking the third classic between the two sides this season. Barcelona won 4-0 in La Liga in October and triumphed 5-2 in the Supercopa de España final in January. They may also meet in the Champions League this season.
Atlético Madrid, aiming for their first Copa del Rey final since 2013, had hoped to reach the final after drawing 2-2 in the first leg in Barcelona, but were ultimately eliminated. Torres scored after a perfect pass from Lamine Yamal, while Atlético’s Alexander Sorloth had a goal disallowed for offside in the 69th minute.
