Barcelona ends 4-year drought and reignites war with Real Madrid | OneFootball

Four years of not featuring in a Copa del Rey final were at last ended by Barcelona, reminding the continent of where they actually belong. The 1–0 win against Atlético de Madrid, finished with authority at the Metropolitano, not only earned them a place in the final, it rekindled confidence that had lain dormant in the stands and even behind the scenes. And if someone had any questions regarding Hansi Flick's impact on this squad, those began to fizzle out along with the final whistle. True, Barça are in a Copa del Rey final again. And it is against Real Madrid. Nothing else, nothing greater.

Of course, Flick is not the type to lose his head. He has an idea where he's stepping. The German coach chose to combine enthusiasm and focus in his post-match speech. "Dreaming is allowed," he admitted in a flash of honest feeling, but immediately brought the matter back to reality: "Things can change in a split second, and we have to stay focused."

That balance might just be his greatest strength yet. For on the field, the team has been much less erratic. And that's been paying dividends.

In the final, and old ghosts left behind

Barcelona didn't play a Copa del Rey final in an entire decade (1998-2008). Then they played 10 finals in 13 years and seven of them. But since 2021? Crickets. Three years without reaching the final game of a tournament that helped shape the club's winning identity. Arriving at their 43rd final is a step towards reclaiming that legacy, and toward their 32nd title.

That comeback was no fluke. The game at the Metropolitano had fewer goals than the first leg, but gave something maybe even more precious: consistency. Barça dominated the first half with technical excellence and attacking ferocity, then pulled back sensibly, protecting their lead without letting Atlético get into the game.

Ferran Torres, nicknamed “The Shark,” started in place of Lewandowski and made every second count. His goal in the 27th minute came off a perfectly placed pass from Lamine Yamal and capped off a run of form that’s becoming impossible to ignore. Flick didn’t hold back: “He deserved to play, and I’m happy he scored again.”

Atletico de Madrid v FC Barcelona - Copa del Rey | Quality Sport Images/GettyImages

Solid defense and second-half maturity

Barça quite simply could have sealed the game away in the first half. But once more, as happens invariably in these kind of games, Atlético came back through grit, tackles, and last-gasp defending. Musso tried his utmost to keep the Colchoneros in it with some good saves at crucial times. Azpilicueta even escaped a red card early on, which could have turned the entire script on its head.

Atlético were more physical and dominant in the attacking third in the second half but didn't have the same creativity. Sorloth once again found the back of the net — before being thwarted by an offside flag, which left the hearts of Barça fans sinking before relief ensued.

Atletico de Madrid v FC Barcelona - Copa del Rey | Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages

It wasn't a handsome second half for Barcelona. It was pragmatic. Flick decided to strangle the game, shut down the space, and accept the torture. And sometimes that's what it takes to win, knowing how not to lose. The subs were precision. The back line remained tight. And the players' physical commitment was the last argument to seal the victory.

Eric Garcia, brought on in the second half, was another whose name Flick highlighted subsequently. "He gives us stability at the back, and that is what we need of him. I told him to remain, expressed to him my faith in him, and that he would play." And play he did. No spark, but merely the kind of solidity called for in the moment.

Clásico sealed, storyline very much open

Barcelona has just beaten Atlético twice at the Metropolitano within fifteen days. And now, Copa del Rey is giving an eighth Clásico final, the type of match that does not need any extra seasoning. Real Madrid, with the most recent two losses, will arrive hungry. It is the type of match that comes after tactics. It becomes psychological.

Flick knows. That's why he was careful not to give it too much attention in his press conference: "In my head, the Clásico final is a lot of way down the road, it's irrelevant now. There are loads of games in between." It is the rhetoric of a manager trying to protect his team from the din of derby before it's appropriate. But everybody knows down deep, there's a thicker air. The tension's already starting to seep in. The final scene is on April 26. And yes, it's going to stop everything.