Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Copa del Rey Clásico Final Set: Barcelona Advances After Tense Victory Over Atlético Madrid
A decade-long wait concludes as the Copa del Rey will once again feature a clásico final. Barcelona navigated a challenging semi-final against Atlético Madrid, initially showcasing dominance, then withstanding pressure, ultimately securing their place in the final. Following a thrilling 4-4 draw at Montjuic in the first leg, the second leg proved to be a closely contested affair, decided by a solitary first-half goal from Ferran Torres. Now, Barcelona, managed by Hansi Flick, will face Seville, in a highly anticipated clash between two teams still vying for a treble, with Atlético Madrid’s hopes of silverware dashed for this competition.
Match Recap: Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid Semi-Final Second Leg
In the five weeks since the initial leg of this semi-final, Atlético Madrid, under Diego Simeone, witnessed their promising season falter. They managed just a single victory in their subsequent five fixtures, a Champions League second leg encounter where they were eventually eliminated on penalties. Their La Liga campaign also suffered, slipping to a nine-point deficit from the top. Now, their aspirations in the Copa del Rey have also come to an end. Despite pushing Barcelona to their limits, they couldn’t surpass them. Barcelona, however, demonstrated resilience and progressed to the Copa del Rey final.
First Half Dominance for Barcelona
The match’s outset hinted at another high-scoring, open contest, with early incursions from Lamine Yamal for Barcelona and Marcos Llorente for Atlético Madrid within the opening minutes. Intense early challenges injected urgency, prompting the referee to consult VAR for a potentially serious foul where Cesar Azpilicueta made contact with Raphinha’s calf. However, the game soon settled into Barcelona’s rhythm, dictating possession with patient yet persistent build-up play.
Yamal and Midfield Control
As Barcelona orchestrated swift transitions through the midfield, Pedri emerged as a central figure, displaying fluid and precise movement. Frenkie de Jong delivered a superb performance alongside him. Fermin, the third midfielder, continued to impress with sharp, penetrating runs ahead of them.
However, when Barcelona’s attacks intensified and posed a greater threat, they frequently originated from Lamine Yamal’s contributions. While Yamal occasionally drove at defenders, and his deceptive hip movements consistently wrong-footed opponents—evidenced by a nutmeg within the first two minutes—his impact extended beyond individual runs. It was his exceptional vision and execution of passes that truly stood out. His awareness of the surrounding play and consistently astute decision-making were pivotal. Notably, around the 11th minute, a rapid exchange culminated in Yamal curling a shot narrowly past the far post from the edge of the box.
Ferran Torres Goal Breaks the Deadlock
Gradually, Barcelona exerted greater pressure on Atlético Madrid, methodically dissecting their defense. A neat exchange involving Torres, Pedri, and Raphinha created an opportunity for Torres inside the box, poised to shoot before Robin Le Normand intervened. Subsequently, a lofted pass from Lamine Yamal directed Jules Koundé into the penalty area. Fermin was the next to experience a final pass falling slightly short. The escalating threat and growing sense of Barcelona’s command prompted Simeone to adjust his midfield configuration.
This tactical alteration didn’t prevent Barcelona from seizing the advantage. Lamine Yamal delivered a precise angled pass into the box, where Ferran Torres skillfully evaded his marker and slotted the ball past Juan Musso. Barcelona now firmly controlled the match, with Raphinha becoming increasingly influential. The Brazilian international directed a free-kick just over the bar and later had another opportunity created, only to be thwarted by Musso at the near post.
Atlético Madrid’s Second Half Resurgence
Atlético Madrid’s sole attacking threat in the first half was a Le Normand header that sailed over the crossbar. They reached half-time relieved to be trailing by just a single goal. Barcelona had dominated possession with 69% and registered six shots on target compared to Atlético’s none. Significant changes were required, and Simeone introduced Clement Lenglet, Javi Galan, and Alex Sorloth at the interval. The second half commenced with Antoine Griezmann firing a volley wide. The shift in momentum was palpable, resonating with the home crowd as the atmosphere intensified. The stadium nearly erupted when Rodrigo De Paul intercepted possession in midfield and set up Sorloth. Facing Wojciech Szczesny one-on-one with the goal at his mercy, the Norwegian striker’s shot agonizingly struck the side-netting.
The Atlético Madrid players in red and white surged forward relentlessly, challenging Barcelona’s prior dominance of possession. Although a brilliant surge from Lamine Yamal and Fermin’s awareness fashioned a chance for Raphinha, only for Musso to deny him with a save, Flick responded swiftly, aiming to stifle the emerging spaces. This substitution proved telling: the game was revitalized. The number of fouls increased, with Barcelona becoming the primary offenders. They accumulated more fouls in this match than in any other game this season.
Atlético Madrid continued their offensive push. Sorloth latched onto Julián Alvarez’s flick, unleashing a powerful strike with 20 minutes remaining, only to be flagged offside as he prematurely celebrated towards the corner flag.
Barcelona Secures Copa del Rey Final Berth
Ultimately, that disallowed goal proved decisive. Barcelona regained a degree of control, effectively repelled Atlético’s sustained pressure, and while Atlético came close to equalizing, victory remained elusive. Barcelona emerged triumphant, securing their place in the Copa del Rey final, setting up a highly anticipated clásico.