The first leg between FC Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid in the semifinal of the Copa del Rey was a true spectacle. Defensive lapses stole the spotlight throughout the match. The game did not start well for FC Barcelona. They conceded a goal in the first minute and went behind early. To the surprise of many, FC Barcelona managed to turn the score around. They reacted quickly and showed character after the early blow.
When everyone thought they would secure the win, Atletico Madrid struck back. They managed to equalize in the final minutes with an incredible finish. As a result, the tie remains wide open. FC Barcelona have not lost a match since December 15, 2024, when CD Leganes beat them. That means they have stayed unbeaten throughout 2025.
During this run, FC Barcelona faced major challenges. Key players in defense and midfield suffered injuries. Still, Hansi Flick kept the team on track. He showed strong leadership and guided them through the rough patches. Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, are going through a very different moment. Their last defeat came on March 9 against Getafe. That match also saw Angel Correa receive a red card.
They also suffered a major emotional blow. Real Madrid knocked them out of the UEFA Champions League in the Round of 16. Although Atletico won the second-leg match, they could not overturn the aggregate score. Given the contrast between both teams, the second leg could go in many directions. The outcome remains uncertain.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona is mobbed by teammates as he celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the La Liga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on March 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.
What happens if FC Barcelona win the second leg against Atletico de Madrid?
FC Barcelona must win the second leg to reach the 2024–25 Copa del Rey final. The first leg ended in a 4-4 draw. Since the away goals rule no longer applies, it does not matter if the margin is one goal or more. Nevertheless, this task will not be easy.
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FC Barcelona started behind in each of their last two matches. That trend could be dangerous against Atletico de Madrid. The home side knows how to defend with discipline. They often sit back and absorb pressure when playing at home. Barcelona must stay focused from the first minute.
What happens if FC Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid tie in the second leg?
Considering that the aggregate score is 4-4, a tie in the second leg of the Copa del Rey Semi-final will get both teams on extra time. They will try to break the tie there. As the away goals rule no longer applies, the total number of goals each team scores does not matter if the score is tied.
In case that the tie remains after extra time, the match will go to a penalty shootout. The team that wins the shootout will face Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.
What happens if FC Barcelona lose the second leg against Atletico de Madrid?
If FC Barcelona lose the second leg against Atletico de Madrid, they will be out of the Copa del Rey. That result would mark Hansi Flick’s first major setback since taking over as manager of the team. Even if FC Barcelona still have a chance to win both the UEFA Champions League and LaLiga, missing out on the Copa del Rey would hurt the team’s confidence and momentum.
Atletico de Madrid sees the Copa del Rey as a real opportunity. They are third in LaLiga, and the title looks unlikely. This tournament could be their only shot at silverware this season.
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