Barça confirmed its status as the favorite by clinching the Spanish Cup – Copa del Rey, defeating ElPozo Murcia Costa Cálida in a frenetic final that ended in penalties (4-2). After 14 consecutive finals won by the Blaugranas against the Murcians over the past thirteen years. This result hardly comes as a surprise anymore. The culés have never faltered in a title matchup at either national or European level against the ham team. Who have now become their favored prey. The victory came in epic fashion, with an imperial performance by Catela who steered the culé team amidst the referee’s confusion, in a match where the Andalusian referees Cordero Gallardo and Carillo Arroyo played significant roles.
Match
ElPozo was a steamroller in the first half. Shedding their atavistic complexes and overwhelming a Barça team exhausted by the voracious calendar and greatly diminished by injuries. Despite their exhibition, they managed only a solitary goal advantage in the dying minutes of the first half. With Rafa Santos surprising Dídac Plana with a deft strike. The halftime break proved therapeutic for the azulgranas, as they came back rejuvenated, with Catela equalizing in the 21st minute after Taffy’s childish penalty on Matheus. Felipe Valerio momentarily put the ham players ahead (27′), but André Coelho promptly leveled the score (28′).
The final’s outcome was agonizing and contentious, as expected. In the 38th minute, Pito’s expulsion for a double yellow, disputed as deflecting the ball with his shoulder according to him or with his hand according to Cordero Gallardo. Led to Dyego’s direct red card for protesting. A decision that couldn’t be reviewed due to lack of technological support, leaving them at a numerical disadvantage. With just 17 seconds left, Gadeia scored, making it 3-2. Yet, with a mere four seconds remaining, an incomprehensible overhead kick by David Álvarez hitting André Coelho resulted in a ten-meter throw, which Catela masterfully converted, despite Dani Martínez’s efforts. The MVP of the final, Juanjo Angosto, sent the match into extra time (3-3).
Barça wins
Barça emerged amidst a storm of adversity. Injuries, expulsions, and a hostile atmosphere. Yet managed to win the title on penalties. They had already demonstrated their prowess from the six-meter point. Jesús Velasco again trusted his duo of Dídac Plana and Miquel Feixas. The clash between Murcia and Catalans returned to the same arena where the controversial Jaén edition ended in 2022, with Cordero Gallardo ordering a repeat of Adolfo’s third shoot and Juanjo Angosto denying it again. Felipe Valerio faltered, and despite video support, the referees accepted Miquel Feixas’ save on Taffy’s shot. Catela, fittingly, scored the decisive penalty, sparking Barça’s euphoria.
In Cartagena, the Barcelona players lifted their seventh cup win in history. The fourth in the last six editions, in their ninth final appearance. They’ve only lost the title twice. In 2015 and 2021. Secured it in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2024. Solidifying Barça’s hegemony, leaving Osasuna Magna in their wake in the quarters and European champions Mallorca Palma Futsal in the semis.
This marks the second Spanish Cup victory for Jesús Velasco with Barça. As his contract ends on June 30, his trajectory seems to lead to the National Team bench, with Tino Pérez set to replace him. Velasco now surpasses another legend, Jesús Candelas, becoming the coach with the most cup titles won in the 35 editions played.
Not an easy season
However, it hasn’t been an easy season for the Barça team. Depleted by injuries and exhausted by a grueling calendar designed by the RFEF, the Spanish Cup represents their first title of the current campaign. They missed out on the Spanish Super Cup against Jimbee Cartagena and were eliminated from the Copa del Rey Final Four in Seville by Servigroup Peñíscola.
Following their arduous campaign in Cartagena, where their Brazilian star Pito is set to rest again to avoid injury, the Barça team now focuses on the UEFA Futsal Champions League in Yerevan. Where they will face Sporting in the semifinals on May 3. Velasco hopes to have captain Sergio Lozano back in a couple of weeks and Brazilian center Ferrao for the clash against the Portuguese.
ElPozo Murcia, devastated by the defeat, still grapples with the notion of winning a final against Barça. Their streak of defeats against the Barcelona team now extends to 14 events at the national and European levels. They haven’t won a Spanish Cup since 2010. Or any title since 2017. The Guadalajara Copa del Rey was the last time their lifted a trophy. This drought persists after losing six consecutive finals in the last seven years, four against Barça and two against Movistar Inter. Cartagena marks the eighth consecutive Spanish Cup final loss, the fifth against the Catalans. Despite 35 years of history, their success rate in title showdowns in Murcia remains unbalanced. With 19 titles won and 21 finals lost. Now, Dani Martínez’s team pins its hopes on the league, currently in second place with six rounds to go, seeking to build on the positive momentum from the Spanish Cup.