Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid to get to the Copa del Rey final.
After a dramatic semifinal match victory against Atletico Madrid, FC Barcelona qualified for the Copa del Rey final. Held on April 2, 2025, the second leg at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys saw Barcelona triumph with a convincing performance, therefore securing their place in the grand finals of the competition.
Match Profile
Barcelona dominated possession at the start of the game, as Xavi Hernández’s tactical style would have predicted. Known for their defensive stability under Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid sought to frustrate the Catalan team with a small backline and counterattacking style.
Barcelona began well, teenage midfield prodigy Pedri arranging play with Frenkie de Jong. With Robert Lewandowski probing Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak in the first minutes, the home side had numerous early possibilities.
Important events and objectives
Barcelona went first in the 25th minute with a powerful shot by Raphinha. Using a lost ball by Atletico’s Rodrigo De Paul, the Brazilian winger cut inside from the right flank and then curled a magnificent shot into the top corner.
With Antoine Griezmann and Álvaro Morata combining well in attack, Atletico Madrid answered with a stretch of pressure. In the 38th minute, Griezmann almost equalized with a header; nevertheless, Barcelona’s goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen made a vital save to hold the advantage.
Barcelona doubled their lead in the 63rd minute when Lewandowski completed a beautiful passing play with Pedri and João Cancelo. Aiming a low shot beyond Oblak, the Polish striker displayed his exquisite finishing skills.
Substitute Memphis Depay came close with a free-kick shot that shook the crossbar in the 75th minute as Atletico sought a comeback. Barcelona, on the other hand, remained strong defensively, with Jules Koundé and Ronald Araújo providing strong rear performances.
Tactical Review
Xavi’s choice to push Atletico’s midfield and use a strong defensive line paid off when Barcelona controlled possession with 65% of the ball. While Cancelo and Alejandro Balde offered breadth in attack, the smooth movement of midfielders Pedri and De Jong overwhelmed Atletico’s typically stiff framework.
Simeone, on the other hand, had to alter his usual defensive strategy as the game progressed. In the last 20 minutes, Atletico changed to a more offensive posture and brought on Thomas Lemar and Ángel Correa; Barcelona’s defense held strong.
Road toward the Final
Barcelona moves on to the Copa del Rey final with this triumph, where they will square off against the winner of the second semifinal match between Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao. The addition of silverware to their season will help the Catalans aspire to raise the esteemed trophy once again.
Atletico Madrid will shift their attention back to La Liga, where they continue to fight for a top-four position and Champions League qualification.
What, then, is next?
Barcelona will now get ready for their next La Liga game against Valencia to maintain their great domestic run. Regrouping, Atletico Madrid will focus on their next league campaign against Sevilla.
Fans of the Barcelona camp will be keenly awaiting the Copa del Rey final, expecting to see their club take another piece of silverware under Xavi’s direction with outstanding confidence.
