BRUTAL: Barça has only lost 4 of its last 56 Cup eliminations

FC Barcelona has undoubtedly been the dominant force in the Copa del Rey over the last decade. Since the 2010-11 season, the Catalans have only lost 5 of 56 eliminations in the tournament prior to the final, which means they have reached the decisive stage in 11 of the last 17 editions. This includes, of course, the 2024-25 season, where Hansi Flick's team will seek their 32nd title and the eighth of the 21st century.

Barça advanced to the decisive stage after defeating Atlético de Madrid (0-1) in the return match played at the Metropolitano. Previously, the Catalans had drawn in Montjuïc (4-4) in their second home match of the tournament. The azulgrana team defeated Barbastro (0-4), Betis (5-1), and Valencia (0-5) in the earlier rounds. Thus, the record on the way to the final was 4 wins and 1 draw, with 19 goals for and 5 against.

The last eliminations of Barça in the Copa del Rey

The first of the last four eliminations for the Catalans came in the 2019-20 season, in the quarterfinals against Athletic Club (1-0). On February 6, 2020, the team then coached by Quique Setién was eliminated by the 'lions' at San Mamés. In a single match, a goal by Iñaki Williams in the 93rd minute sealed the azulgrana defeat. The following season, the Catalans would take revenge in the final held at La Cartuja on April 17, 2021 (0-4).

In the 2021-22 season, however, the Basques eliminated Barça again in the round of 16 (3-2 in extra time). On January 20, 2022, Athletic once again prevailed at San Mamés. After a 2-2 draw in regulation time (goals from Ferran Torres and Pedri for Barça), Iker Muniain scored from the penalty spot in extra time, giving the Basque team a 3-2 victory and eliminating Xavi Hernández's team.

The third Catalan elimination came in 2022-23, in the semifinals against Real Madrid (1-4 on aggregate). Barcelona won 0-1 in the first leg at the Bernabéu (own goal by Militao), but in the return leg on April 5, 2023, they were thrashed 0-4 at Camp Nou with goals from Vinicius Jr. and a 'hat-trick' from Karim Benzema. The whites would win the final against Osasuna (2-0), while the Catalans were left with the league title.

Finally, in 2023-24, Athletic Club eliminated Barça again in the quarterfinals (4-2 in extra time). On January 24, 2024, Ernesto Valverde's team eliminated Barça again at San Mamés. The match ended 2-2 in regulation time, but in extra time, goals from Iñaki Williams and Nico Williams gave the Basque team a 4-2 victory, ending Xavi's team's hopes. After that, the 'lions' finally won the Cup again, defeating Mallorca in the final on penalties (1-1, 4-2 p.).

⚽ Barça's record in the Copa del Rey since the 2010-11 season:

• Eliminations played: 56.
• Barça victories: 51.
• Barça eliminations: 5.
• Finals played by Barça: 11.
• Titles won by Barça: 7.

⚽ The five eliminations lost by Barça:

1. FC Barcelona 2-4 Real Madrid. 2012-13 season, semifinals. First leg: 1-1 at the Bernabéu. Return leg: 1-3 at Camp Nou.
2. Athletic Club 1-0 FC Barcelona. 2019-20 season, round of 16.
3. Athletic Club 3-2 FC Barcelona. 2021-22 season, quarterfinals.
4. Athletic Club 4-2 FC Barcelona. 2023-24 season, quarterfinals.
5. FC Barcelona 1-4 Real Madrid. 2022-23 season, semifinals. First leg: 0-1 at the Bernabéu. Return leg: 0-4 at Camp Nou.