Barca Reach the Final Against Real! El Clásico Awaits!

Simeone's side failed to seize their last chance at a trophy. One goal was enough to knock them out of the Copa del Rey.

Barca and Atlético had already faced each other twice over the past five weeks, scoring a combined 14 goals — something you don’t always see even in hockey. The first leg ended in a thrilling 4–4 draw. The tension lasted until the very end, though this time the goal fest didn’t repeat.

Atlético had already been knocked out of the Champions League and slipped out of the title race, so the Copa del Rey was their last hope. Simeone showed his focus on the tournament by setting up a cautious 5-3-2 formation, bringing Azpilicueta back into central defense. Barça’s lineup was also fairly predictable. Lewandowski started on the bench (just like in last week’s rescheduled match against Osasuna), while Ferran Torres, who’s been in good form lately, started.

Atlético’s plan nearly collapsed in the opening minutes when Azpilicueta recklessly raked his studs down Raphinha’s leg from behind. Referee Montero showed the former Chelsea defender a yellow — but was then called to the monitor. It seemed obvious: red card incoming. Yet somehow, no sending-off occurred. Instead, Simeone was shown a classic yellow for protesting too emotionally. Raphinha, by the way, later earned cards for De Paul, while Yamal did the same for Mandava and Álvaro.

It was a toss-up as to what would happen first — a Barca goal or an Atlético red card. The answer came in the 27th minute. After some typical Barça build-up play, Yamal spotted Ferran making a run. A low, slicing through-ball between Giménez and Le Normand, a first-time finish — and in it went.

Atlético created no real chances. They’re known for maximizing every opportunity, but 1 shot to 10 in the first half told a sad story. In fact, it was lucky they went into the break just 0–1 down — both Yamal and Raphinha had good chances to extend the lead. Their build-up through short passes didn’t work, and the counterattacks fizzled. Sörloth, usually a threat against Barça, remained unused on the bench.

Simeone made his move after the break, sending on Sörloth, along with Galán and Lenglet, while taking off Azpilicueta and Mandava, switching to a 3-4-3. The engine finally roared to life — Atlético pushed forward with purpose, playing on the ground, using combinations instead of long balls.

Chances came with the pressure: Sörloth nearly scored from a through pass by De Paul, Griezmann had a header off Galán’s cross, and Lenglet got on the end of a corner — but none of them found the target. Barca were pinned back but still found moments to respond, with Yamal forcing a save from Musso at the near post.

Hansi Flick reacted to the shift in momentum by reinforcing midfield: Fermin was replaced by Araújo, and García and De Jong were pushed higher. That didn't stop Sörloth from scoring — but he was caught offside on Álvaro’s pass.

Atlético kept pushing but were less effective as time went on. Barca withstood the pressing and managed to launch dangerous counterattacks of their own. The score didn’t change, which means Atlético lost their last hope of a trophy this season in the span of just three weeks.

Now, an extra El Clásico awaits — in the Copa del Rey final! It's scheduled for April 26. Not long to wait.

Published by Patrick Jane
03.04.2025