Barcelona’s season has been rocked by a devastating double injury blow following their exit from the Copa del Rey. Despite a 3-0 victory against Atletico Madrid in the semi-final second leg, the Catalans went out 4-3 on aggregate and, more importantly, lost two vital components of their backline. The club has now confirmed that both Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde sustained significant hamstring injuries during the high-stakes encounter, leaving manager Hansi Flick with a major selection headache ahead of their Champions League round of 16 tie against Newcastle.
Diego Simeone has hinted he is uncertain whether Antoine Griezmann will remain at Atletico Madrid long enough to compete in the upcoming Copa del Rey final. Despite the Frenchman’s stellar performances for Atleti this season, rumours of a move to MLS outfit Orlando City have cast a shadow over his future. With the forward yet to confirm his plans, the Rojiblancos face the sobering prospect of losing their talisman at the most critical juncture of the season.
Despite Barcelona’s dramatic Copa del Rey exit, Pedri’s masterclass at the Spotify Camp Nou made a lasting impression on his rivals. Atletico Madrid captain Koke paid a glowing tribute to the 21-year-old maestro, hailing him as one of the best players in the world and the definitive "present and future" of Spanish football.
Antoine Griezmann just couldn't resist a cheeky dig at his former employers. Despite a nerve-wracking night at the Camp Nou, Atletico Madrid have officially punched their ticket to the Copa del Rey final, and the French superstar was quick to ensure the Barcelona faithful felt every bit of the sting with a savage post on social media. It was a night of high drama in Catalonia as Hansi Flick’s side attempted a monumental comeback, but ultimately fell short of the miracle they required to overturn a heavy first-leg deficit.
Barcelona fell agonizingly short of a historic Copa del Rey comeback at the Spotify Camp Nou on Tuesday night, winning 3-0 on the night but bowing out 4-3 on aggregate against a resilient Atletico Madrid. Despite the heartbreak of missing out on the final, Brazilian star Raphinha struck an optimistic chord, insisting that the performance serves as a blueprint for the months ahead. The winger, who captained the side, believes that if Hansi Flick’s men maintain this level of intensity, they can still secure major silverware before the campaign concludes.
Barcelona fell agonisingly short of an epic comeback in their Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid as the Blaugrana won Tuesday's second leg 3-0 but lost out 4-3 on aggregate. Teenage midfielder Marc Bernal scored twice on a night where Barca launched attack after attack, but they couldn't find the fourth goal that would have taken the tie to extra-time.
Barcelona are the most successful Copa del Rey side in history, winning the cup 31 times, seven more than Athletic Bilbao and 11 more than bitter rivals Real Madrid. Their first-ever Copa del Rey win came in the 1909-10 season. Since the start of the 2014-15 season, the Catalans have lifted this trophy six times.
How many teams are in the Copa del Rey?
Currently, as many as 126 teams participate in the Copa del Rey, starting at the top from La Liga and going all the way down to the Tercera Federacion, the fifth tier in Spanish football league system. In its inaugural edition in 1903, just three teams (Athletic Bilbao, Espanyol, and Madrid FC) took part.
Who has made the most Copa del Rey appearances ever?
Former Athletic Bilbao and Spain forward Piru Gainza is Copa del Rey's record-appearance maker ever, featuring in 99 games in the cup competition.
Who is the all-time top scorer of the Copa del Rey?
Iconic Spanish forward Telmo Zarra is Copa del Rey's all-time top scorer, finding the back of the net on 81 occasions between 1939 and 1957. All those goals came in an Athletic Bilbao shirt.
Who is the oldest player ever in the Copa del Rey and how old was he?
CD Bunol goalkeeper Paco is the oldest player to ever feature in a Copa del Rey game, achieving the feat against Real Sociedad in 2023 at the age of 44 years and 231 days.
Who is the youngest player ever in the Copa del Rey and how old was he?
Armando Sagi is the youngest player to ever feature in a Copa del Rey game. Playing for Barcelona, Sagi was just 15 years and 339 days old when he made his debut in the competition on April 2, 1922.
Which famous players have played in the Copa del Rey?
Antoine Griezmann, Luka Modric, Sergio Ramos, Neymar, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez, Telmo Zarra, Sergio Busquets, Roberto Carlos, Luis Suarez, and Xavi are some of the most famous players to have played in the Copa del Rey.
Which famous managers have managed in the Copa del Rey?
Carlo Ancelotti, Luis Enrique, Juande Ramos, Claudio Ranieri, Louis van Gaal, Sir Bobby Robson, Cesar Menotti, Miguel Munoz, and Ferdinand Daucik are some of Copa del Rey's most famous mangers.