Barcelona will face Real Madrid in a highly anticipated El Clasico final in Spain’s Copa del Rey after securing a 5-4 aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid. The Catalan club sealed their place in the final with a 1-0 win at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, marking their first Copa del Rey final appearance in four years. Ferran Torres scored the decisive first-half goal, ensuring Barcelona’s progression after an intense 4-4 draw in the first leg held in February. Real Madrid also advanced with a 5-4 aggregate victory over Real Sociedad, needing extra time in Tuesday’s semifinal. This sets up the first Copa del Rey final between the two fierce rivals since the 2013-14 season when Madrid lifted the trophy.
Atletico endured another disappointing home exit, having already been eliminated by Madrid on penalties in the Champions League round of 16 last month. Meanwhile, Barcelona, historically the most successful club in the competition with 31 titles—returns to the final for the first time since winning the trophy in 2021 against Athletic Bilbao. Real Madrid, who claimed their 20th Copa del Rey title in 2023 by defeating Osasuna, will now play in their second final in three seasons.
The showdown on April 26 in Seville will be the third El Clasico of the season. Barcelona has already beaten Madrid twice, winning 4-0 in La Liga in October and 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final in January. The two teams could potentially face off again in the Champions League later this season.
Atletico had aimed to reach their first Copa del Rey final since 2013 when they defeated Real Madrid to claim their 10th title. In the first leg, Diego Simeone’s side mounted a late comeback to secure a dramatic 4-4 draw after initially leading 2-0.
During the second leg, Torres broke the deadlock in the 27th minute with a well-placed finish inside the area after receiving a perfect through ball from Lamine Yamal. Atletico thought they had equalized in the 69th minute, but Alexander Sorloth’s goal was ruled out for offside, sealing their fate.
Now, all eyes turn to the Copa del Rey final, where Barcelona and Real Madrid will battle once again for Spanish football’s prestigious domestic trophy.
