Barcelona advances to Copa del Rey final after beating Atletico Madrid

Blaugrana secure 1-0 win in the second leg to set up El Clasico final against Real Madrid.

Ronald Araujo (left) and Alexander Sorloth (right) battle for possession during the Copa del Rey semi-final match between Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 2, 2025, in Madrid, Spain. Photo by Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Barcelona booked their place in the Copa del Rey final after securing a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the semifinals at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium on Thursday morning WIB. With this result, the Blaugrana claimed a 5-4 aggregate win and set up a highly anticipated El Clasico showdown against Real Madrid in the final.

Barcelona controls the match after intense start

From the opening whistle, both teams displayed aggressive play, eager to take control of the match. Atletico Madrid, needing a win to overturn the aggregate deficit, pressed high and looked for early opportunities. However, Barcelona remained composed, gradually dictating the tempo and forcing the hosts into a defensive stance.

Atletico had an early half-chance through Antoine Griezmann, but his shot failed to trouble Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. Meanwhile, Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal led the Blaugrana’s attack, continuously testing the home defense.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 27th minute. Yamal played a perfectly timed through ball to Torres, who calmly slotted it past Juan Musso to give Barcelona a crucial 1-0 lead. The goal silenced the home crowd and put Atletico under immense pressure.

Despite Barcelona’s lead, the first half remained competitive. The visitors had another chance to double their advantage before halftime, but Raphinha’s powerful shot was denied by Musso.

Atletico Madrid fights back but falls short

Knowing they needed at least two goals to stay in the competition, Atletico Madrid came out stronger in the second half. Diego Simeone urged his team forward, and their intensity increased.

Alexander Sorloth nearly equalized in the 51st minute, but his close-range effort only hit the side netting. The Norwegian forward continued to pose a threat, and in the 68th minute, he managed to put the ball in the back of the net. However, the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check, further frustrating the home side.

Atletico kept pushing in the final minutes, with Griezmann and Ángel Correa both trying their luck from distance. However, Barcelona’s defense, marshaled by Ronald Araújo and Jules Koundé, held firm to preserve their narrow lead.

Barcelona secures Copa del Rey final spot

With the final whistle, Barcelona celebrated a hard-earned 1-0 victory, sealing their place in the Copa del Rey final. Hansi Flick’s men have now taken a major step toward domestic glory after experiencing ups and downs in recent seasons.

The Blaugrana will now face their fiercest rivals, Real Madrid, in a highly anticipated El Clasico final. This matchup promises to be one of the most thrilling encounters of the season, as both teams will battle not only for the trophy but also for the pride that comes with defeating their biggest adversary.

El Clasico final awaits

With Barcelona’s victory, the stage is now set for an electrifying Copa del Rey final between Spain’s two biggest clubs. Real Madrid, who secured their place in the final after defeating Athletic Bilbao, will be looking to claim another domestic title, while Barcelona aims to reassert themselves as Spain’s top team.

This final will be another chapter in the historic rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, with both clubs desperate for silverware. Fans worldwide will be eagerly awaiting the showdown, which could define the success of their seasons.

Barcelona’s victory over Atletico Madrid was a testament to their growing confidence under Flick. Now, all focus shifts to the ultimate challenge—beating Real Madrid in the final to lift the Copa del Rey trophy.