The Copa del Rey Fact That Makes Real Madrid 'Champion,' History Repeats Itself

The 24/25 season is gradually starting to define the clubs that will truly compete for the titles still up for grabs in the current soccer season. In Spanish soccer, Real Madrid stands out as the leader of LaLiga and one of the Copa del Rey semifinalists. Although with suspense, Gonzalo García's goal in the 93rd minute secured the passage to this knockout round for the merengue team.

The resolution of the other quarter-final matches during this same week has left only four teams that will face off for this important tournament. Real Madrid is still in the 'fight' to achieve the first treble in its history, but first, it must face teams like Atlético de Madrid, FC Barcelona, or Real Sociedad.

Opta's data about these semifinals bring good memories to Real Madrid because these four teams coincide in the semifinals for the first time since the 13/14 season. Atlético de Madrid, FC Barcelona, and Real Madrid have already shared the knockout round since then, but it's the first time in ten years that Real Sociedad has reached this stage.

The year 2014 is etched in the memory of the white fans for several reasons. The most important is undoubtedly the achievement of the long-awaited Tenth, a Champions League won against Atlético de Madrid in Lisbon. Likewise, FC Barcelona was defeated in the Copa del Rey final held in Mestalla with two memorable goals.

Important Precedent

Especially the goal scored by a newly arrived Gareth Bale to Santiago Bernabéu locker room. The then '11' in white was clearly pushed by Marc Bartra off the field, but his running power allowed him to surpass the Catalan defender... and finish with a subtle touch under Pinto's legs to decide the title in favor of the white club, also coached by Carlo Ancelotti at that time.

Those semifinals were contested between Real Madrid, Atlético de Madrid, FC Barcelona, and Real Sociedad. Both capital rivals faced each other in the semifinals, while FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad did the same on the other side of the knockout bracket. The Clásico of the final held in Mestalla left Real Madrid as the winner, who then lifted its 19th Copa del Rey.

Since then, the white club has attempted to win a new edition of the so-called 'K.O. tournament', but it was always eliminated in striking and unexpected ways in the following seasons. Everything changed in the 22/23 campaign, when Carlo Ancelotti's pupils reached the final at La Cartuja and won against Real Mallorca. That edition was also marked by epic moments, especially thanks to Dani Ceballos's goal to defeat Villarreal in the quarter-finals.

Beyond a coincidence that leads to speculation among Madrid fans, the white players will ensure they prepare thoroughly for the next knockout round, now a two-legged tie. They will have to wait until Wednesday, February 12 to know their opponent for a place in the final held in Seville.