Previous Copa del Rey clashes with Atlético Madrid
This Thursday marks a new chapter in the long-standing Copa del Rey rivalry between Barça and Atlético Madrid. The two sides have met on numerous occasions in the competition, producing many unforgettable encounters.
The most recent came last season, in 2025, with a thrilling first leg at Montjuïc that ended 4–4, followed by a return leg at the Metropolitano where Barça sealed their place in the final with a 1–0 victory. On the 12th, the story continues.
Historic encounter
The two teams have contested ties that are since etched in fans’ memories. Since their first meeting in the 1924/25 edition, they have faced each other in a total of 25 knockout ties, with Barça progressing on 15 occasions and Atlético on 10.
One of the most iconic clashes for both sets of supporters came in 1997, in what remains one of the competition’s most extraordinary ties. The first leg in Madrid ended 2–2. The return leg at Camp Nou was one of the most surreal matches in the club’s history. The visitors raced into a 3–0 lead within 31 minutes, seemingly putting the tie beyond doubt. Barça pulled it back to 3–2, before Pantić, a constant torment for the blaugrana defence, scored his fourth goal of the night to make it 4–2 in the second half. From there, Barça produced a remarkable comeback, scoring three more goals, the last an iconic strike from Pizzi that sent Bobby Robson’s side through to the semi-finals.
Barça are the kings of the Copa del Rey, with a record 32 titles. The next most successful clubs are Athletic Club (24), Real Madrid (20) and Atlético Madrid (10).
Upper hand
Although the overall record between the two sides is fairly balanced, it is Barça who have had the upper hand in recent years. They have progressed in each of the last four Copa meetings (2009, 2015, 2017 and 2025), going on to lift the trophy on every time.
Last season’s tie was a true spectacle. With a place in the final at La Cartuja at stake, the first leg at Montjuïc delivered instant drama. Diego Simeone’s side stormed into a 2–0 lead inside six minutes, Barça responded with four goals of their own, and Atlético struck twice late on to leave the tie finely poised at 4–4. Pure madness.
The return leg at the Metropolitano was far more controlled, as Flick’s side booked their place in the final thanks to a solitary Ferran Torres goal in a 1–0 win.