Jobaaj Stories
Barcelona Edges Past Atlético Madrid, Sets Up El Clásico Copa del Rey Final
In a tense, tightly-fought Copa del Rey semi-final second leg, FC Barcelona secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium. This win, coupled with a thrilling 4-4 draw in the first leg, sends the Catalan giants to the final with a 5-4 aggregate victory. They'll now face Real Madrid in a mouthwatering El Clásico showdown on April 26th – a clash that promises to be one of the most anticipated football matches of the year.
Ferran Torres' Decisive Strike
Ferran Torres' first-half goal proved to be the difference-maker. A perfectly weighted through ball from the impressive Lamine Yamal allowed Torres to calmly slot the ball past Atlético's goalkeeper, Juan Musso. While Raphinha had chances to extend Barcelona's lead, Musso's saves kept Atlético in the game. However, despite increased pressure in the second half, Atlético couldn't find a way past Barcelona's resilient defense.
Barcelona's Unbeaten Run Continues
This victory extends Barcelona's remarkable unbeaten run in 2025 across all competitions. They are now the only team in Europe's top-five leagues yet to taste defeat this year, a testament to their strength and consistency under manager Hansi Flick. This incredible form leaves them in a strong position to potentially achieve a quadruple this season, with La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey all within their reach.
Flick's Praise and Strategic Decisions
Hansi Flick praised his team's mentality and the defensive performance, specifically highlighting Eric Garcia's contribution to the backline's stability. Flick also explained his decision to start Ferran Torres, emphasizing the player's recent form in the Copa del Rey. The manager remains focused on the immediate challenges ahead, urging his players to maintain concentration despite the excitement surrounding the upcoming El Clásico final.
El Clásico Awaits: A Historic Rivalry Renewed
The Copa del Rey final will be the third El Clásico of the season, with Barcelona already boasting victories in La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. This upcoming encounter promises to be another thrilling chapter in one of football's most intense and historic rivalries. With both teams vying for a treble, the stakes are incredibly high, making this final a must-watch for football fans worldwide.
