FC Barcelona Secures Copa del Rey Final Against Real Madrid
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Synopsis
FC Barcelona prevailed 1-0 over Atletico Madrid to reach the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid. This Clasico matchup will be the first in the tournament since 2014, with Barcelona aiming for their 32nd title.
Key Takeaways
- FC Barcelona won against Atletico Madrid.
- Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal.
- The final will feature Barcelona vs. Real Madrid.
- This is the first Clasico final since 2014.
- Barcelona aims for their 32nd Copa del Rey title.
Madrid, April 3 (NationPress) FC Barcelona achieved a 1-0 victory against Atletico Madrid, earning their place in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid.
This final marks the first Clasico in the Copa del Rey since 2014, with Barcelona triumphing at the Metropolitano for the second time in just two weeks and continuing their quest for a title they have claimed a record 31 times.
A first-half goal from Ferran Torres ensured Barcelona's advancement to the Cup final in a match where they dominated the initial 45 minutes, while Atletico took control in the second half, according to reports from Xinhua.
Barcelona's coach, Hansi Flick, surprised many with his lineup choices, opting to play Torres over top scorer Robert Lewandowski, while Fermin Lopez replaced Gavi, who came in for the injured Dani Olmo.
Meanwhile, Atletico's coach, Diego Simeone, maintained consistency with Juan Musso in goal, a decision he has upheld throughout the Cup season.
After a thrilling first leg that saw eight goals, a dynamic start was anticipated, and Lamine Yamal nearly assisted Torres in the first minute.
Atletico's defender Cesar Azpilicueta avoided a VAR review after a late challenge on Raphinha. Tensions escalated when Rodrigo De Paul was booked for another foul on the Brazilian.
Yamal narrowly missed the target for Barcelona as they began to dominate possession. It was no surprise when Torres scored in the 27th minute, thanks to a perfect through ball from Yamal that he converted with his first touch past Musso.
Yamal and Raphinha almost secured a second goal during a chaotic moment in the penalty area, while Atletico's only real opportunity came from a Robin Le Normand header that sailed over the bar.
At halftime, Simeone made three substitutions, introducing Javi Galan, Alexander Sorloth, and Clement Lenglet, which revitalized his team.
Sorloth missed a clear chance, firing into the side netting, while Lenglet sent a header over from a corner.
Barcelona struggled to maintain cohesion in their play as Atletico disrupted their rhythm. The momentum shifted, and Atletico began to pressurize Barcelona's defense.
However, despite Atletico's persistent attempts, the Barcelona defense, well-coordinated by Inigo Martinez and Ronald Araujo, ensured that goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was not forced into any challenging saves.
