Barcelona win to set up Copa del Rey Clasico final
Barcelona’s win over Atletico Madrid means it’s Hansi Flick’s side who progress to the final of the Copa del Rey and a Clasico clash against Real Madrid.
Los Blancos booked their spot in the showpiece on Tuesday with a dramatic win over Real Sociedad after extra-time and will now face their bitter rivals on April 26 at La Cartuja.
There’s been plenty of talk this season already about a potential Clasico final in the Champions League, which could still happen, but we know now the two sides will definitely meet in the Copa del Rey showpiece for the first time in 11 years.
And don’t forget these two sides have already met in a cup final this season, with Barca taking the silverware in January with a 5-2 win at the Spanish Super Cup.
The victory had Hansi Flick dreaming of more silverware afterwards, while Jules Kounde talked up Barcelona’s quadruple hopes and an overjoyed Pedri simply admitted “I’ve never enjoyed playing as much as I do now.”
Ferran rewards Flick’s faith but will he start the final?
Ferran Torres scored the all important winning goal after being named in the starting XI ahead of Robert Lewandowski in Madrid.
Hansi Flick explained his decision to start Ferran ahead of the match, and there could be few arguments as Barca’s Shark has been in great form recently.
Another goal duly arrived after just 27 minutes to send Barca on their way to the final. Ferran could be seen gesturing for the ball and duly had it served up on plate by Yamal. An instinctive finish followed as Ferran netted for the 16th time this season.
Torres now has five goals in the Copa del Rey this season from just four appearances, impressive stuff. The big question now is whether he will find himself in the starting XI against Madrid when the final rolls around at the end of the month?
Yamal runs the show as Barca cling on
Lamine Yamal rose to the occasion on Wednesday as the teenager put in another stellar showing to help inspire Barca to victory.
There were all sorts to admire here: a cheeky nutmeg on Giuliano Simeone, yet another outrageous outside of the boot pass for Raphinha, and a laser-guided assist for Ferran to score the winner.
His numbers this season are growing steadily more impressive by the game.
Yet despite Yamal’s best efforts, Wednesday’s match wasn’t the goalfest of the first leg and Barca ended up clinging on a little bit as Atletico improved in the second half.
Eric Garcia and Ronald Araujo were sent on to firm things up, and this time Barcelona finally managed to stop Alexander Sorloth from scoring.
Atletico’s super-sub blazed a good chance wide before finally getting the ball in the back of the net only to see it disallowed for offside.
Instead it was Yamal and his team-mates celebrating in the Atletico bath once again as Hansi Flick’s side remain unbeaten in 2025 and still in contention to win the lot.