Miracle vs Belief: A Prodigious Duel Set to Be Sealed

On 19 April 1925 — the feast day of Saint Expeditus, patron saint of urgent causes — Barcelona and Atlético (then Athletic de Madrid) faced off in their first-ever cup meeting. It was the beginning of a rivalry that, over a century later, has produced walk-offs, impossible comebacks, unforgettable clashes and two Copa del Rey finals between Barça and Atleti.

Now, the tie reaches its half-century mark.

Yet history is not on Barcelona’s side. Neither the Catalans nor any reigning cup holders have ever overturned a 4–0 first-leg deficit in this competition.

Across their previous 49 Copa del Rey meetings, Barcelona have won 23 times, with 10 draws and 16 victories for Atlético.

A Miracle at Camp Nou?

Hansi Flick’s side may look to the return leg at Camp Nou — or perhaps even to Saint Expeditus himself — in search of a miracle after Atlético laid down the law three weeks ago in Madrid. Still, the German coach has more tangible resources at his disposal to dream of a comeback.

Pedri returns after missing the first leg, while Barça’s attack arrives in electric form: recent hat-trick hero Lamine Yamal alongside inspired Raphinha and Ferran Torres.

An all-out attacking approach is expected from the first whistle by referee Ricardo de Burgos. However, Barcelona will be without the injured Robert Lewandowski and the suspended Eric García, among others.

Across the pitch, Diego Simeone cannot call upon Pablo Barrios but regains Johnny Cardoso in midfield. He will also rely on a red-hot Antoine Griezmann, who has scored in every Copa del Rey match he has played this season.

Simeone famously lifted the trophy in 2013 in his first Copa del Rey campaign from the Atlético bench. After the dominant first-leg display, he now stands just 90 minutes away — guided by his unshakeable “game-by-game” mantra — from returning Atlético to a final and back to La Cartuja in Seville, a stage they have not reached in decades.

With memories of last season still fresh and consistent with the drama of their 49 previous encounters, tension, tactical contrast and high emotion are guaranteed as the first finalist of 2026 is decided — and another remarkable chapter is written in a rivalry overflowing with prodigious moments.