In a thrilling Copa del Rey semi-final, Barcelona edged past Atletico Madrid with a hard-fought 1-0 win at the Metropolitano stadium. The two-legged tie concluded with a 5-4 aggregate victory after a wild 4-4 first leg, paving the way for an electrifying Clasico final clash against Real Madrid.
The match saw Ferran Torres step up as the decisive force, capitalizing on a precise pass from teenage winger Lamine Yamal to open the scoring. This goal not only sparked Barcelona's surge in momentum but also extended their impressive unbeaten streak to 21 games in 2025, fuelling their hopes for a potential quadruple.
Reflecting on the victory, Torres remarked, "We can't relax, we have to keep believing and working, with humility and I'm sure good things will come. If a final is already a huge motivation, imagine playing against your most direct rival." His words capture the spirit of a team determined to push boundaries.
Adding to the post-match insights, coach Flick noted, "We played really bravely here, it was not easy, especially in the second half. The job is not done, we're fighting and trying everything to win titles." Meanwhile, Atletico, who recently experienced a heart-breaking exit from the Champions League on penalties against Real Madrid, now face a sobering reality as they trail by nine points in La Liga with limited options for silverware this season. Defender Jose Gimenez addressed the fans, urging them to lift their heads and continue supporting the team as they strive to finish the season strongly.
This dramatic turnaround underscores the excitement and unpredictability of modern football, capturing the attention of global sports enthusiasts, young digital citizens, and change-makers alike as they rally behind the unfolding narrative of passion, resilience, and sporting excellence.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
