Torres’ Goal Propels Barcelona to Copa del Rey Final After Edging Atletico Madrid
Barcelona have secured their place in the Copa del Rey final for the first time since the 2020/21 season, defeating Atletico Madrid 1-0 in the second leg and advancing with a 5-4 aggregate win. Ferran Torres emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal that sent the Catalans through to the final, continuing their remarkable unbeaten run.
Barca Outlast Determined Atleti in Tense Semi-Final Clash
Meeting for the third time since the end of February, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid were no strangers to each other’s tactics. However, this encounter carried much more weight, as a place in the Copa del Rey final was at stake. Diego Simeone’s Atletico were eager to break their recent slump after a challenging March, where they not only crashed out of the UEFA Champions League but also saw their LaLiga title hopes fade.
That desperation showed early in the match when Cesar Azpilicueta lunged into a studs-up challenge on Raphinha. The referee, Jose Luis Munuera Montero, showed Azpilicueta a yellow card, but some argued it could have been a red. The tension was palpable as Atletico made it clear they would not back down easily.
Barcelona Takes Control with Torres’ Timely Strike
Barcelona, however, did not let the physicality deter them. Lamine Yamal was the first to test Atleti’s defense, cutting inside and narrowly missing the target with a well-placed shot. The Catalan giants dominated possession and created opportunities, forcing the home side to retreat and defend deep.
The breakthrough finally came through Ferran Torres, who has consistently stepped up in crucial moments. Yamal’s perfectly threaded pass found Torres stretching to poke the ball past Atletico’s goalkeeper, Juan Musso. The goal gave Barcelona the lead on the night and tilted the aggregate score in their favor.
Ferran Torres Goal Today ⚽️#ferrantorres #CopaDelRey #lamineyamal pic.twitter.com/OLA6hwRJ0e
— Barça TV+ (@barcatvhouse) April 2, 2025
Barcelona could have doubled their advantage before halftime when Raphinha broke free down the flank, only to see his powerful shot saved by Musso. It was a warning to Atletico that Barca’s attacking intent was far from over.
Simeone’s Tactical Switches Fail to Rescue Atletico
Diego Simeone knew changes were needed and made a bold triple substitution at the break. Alexander Sorloth, a key figure in the first leg, was among those introduced, and he immediately posed a threat by firing into the side netting. The changes brought renewed energy to Atleti, but Barcelona remained a danger on the counter-attack.
A key moment arrived when Sorloth found the net midway through the second half, only for the goal to be disallowed for a marginal offside. It was a bitter blow for the hosts, who struggled to find clear-cut opportunities despite a more dynamic second-half performance.
Barcelona Hold Firm Amid Atleti’s Pressure
As the minutes ticked away, Barcelona remained composed, focusing on maintaining their narrow lead. Atletico, desperate to force extra time, pushed forward with intensity, but Barca’s defense, led by Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo, stood firm.
Raphinha continued to cause problems for Atletico’s backline, nearly scoring with a clever flick and a low shot that Musso managed to parry. Despite Atleti’s late pressure, Barcelona held on, securing a fourth consecutive away victory against their Madrid rivals.
A Tale of Contrasting Fortunes
Atletico Madrid’s sixth consecutive match without a win (D1, L5) only added to their recent woes. With a nine-point gap in LaLiga, the Copa del Rey represented their last realistic chance at silverware, but that dream was dashed by a resilient Barcelona side.
In stark contrast, Barcelona’s remarkable form under Hansi Flick continued, extending their unbeaten run to 21 matches across all competitions (W18, D3). The team has already lifted the Spanish Super Cup and remains in contention for an unprecedented quadruple.
Eyes on the Copa del Rey Final
Barcelona will now turn their attention to the final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad. The opportunity to add yet another trophy to their impressive collection has the Catalan faithful buzzing with excitement.
EL CLÁSICO IN THE COPA DEL REY FINAL FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 11 YEARS pic.twitter.com/BtyJ0ko4lJ
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 2, 2025
With Ferran Torres in fine form and the team’s defensive solidity proving crucial once again, Barcelona’s prospects look bright. As they continue their journey towards potential historic success, the club remains focused on maintaining their winning mentality in the final stretch of the season.
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