Barcelona secured a narrow aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid to advance to the final of the Copa del Rey, where they will face arch-rivals Real Madrid. 

The eagerly anticipated El Clasico will take place on April 26 in Seville, marking the eighth time the two Spanish giants have met in a Copa del Rey final.

Ferran Torres’ first-half strike proved to be the match-winner for Barcelona at the Metropolitano Stadium. The Spanish forward latched onto a brilliant pass from 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who split the Atletico defense with ease before Torres slotted the ball past goalkeeper Juan Musso.

The visitors were well-deserving of their lead, with Yamal continuously posing a threat to Atletico’s defense, while Raphinha also had two chances to extend Barcelona’s advantage.

Unlike the thrilling 4-4 draw in the first leg back in February, where Atletico staged a late comeback, this match was more cautious and tense, lacking the dramatic finish that had characterized the earlier encounter.

Atletico did have their chances, however. Substitute Alexander Sorloth chose to shoot rather than square the ball to Antoine Griezmann for a simple tap-in, and the Norway international also had a goal ruled out for offside after finding the back of the net.

Despite these opportunities, Atletico were second best for most of the match, with Barcelona appearing composed and in control throughout. The victory extended Barcelona’s unbeaten run to 21 games across all competitions, maintaining their position as the only team in Europe’s top five leagues yet to lose in 2025.

The Catalan club, who have already secured the Spanish Super Cup this season, remain three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. They will also face Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on April 9.

The Copa del Rey final against Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid will come just over two weeks before a crucial La Liga clash between the two teams.

Source: Agencies

BDST: 1110 HRS, APR 03, 2025
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