Barcelona’s Copa Exit Deepens Recent Struggles

In a stunning Copa del Rey quarterfinal match, Barcelona’s futsal team suffered a 3-2 extra-time defeat to Jaén Paraíso Interior. The decisive moment came just 66 seconds into the extension period when Argentine pivot Mati Rosa found the back of the net. Sending the packed home crowd into celebration.

Despite a valiant effort from Sergio Lozano, who scored twice for Barcelona, the Catalans were ultimately undone by their mounting injury concerns. The absence of Adolfo and Erick, coupled with Matheus’s fitness issues, proved too significant to overcome.

This elimination marks the latest setback in what has become a challenging period for coach Tino Pérez’s squad. In less than two months, the team has missed out on three potential titles. Their struggles began with a loss to Santa Coloma Industries in the Catalonia Cup final at the end of 2024, followed by a semifinal exit in the Spanish Super Cup against Jimbee Cartagena early in 2025.

Looking ahead, Barcelona’s remaining opportunities for silverware this season rest on the Spanish Cup in Murcia this March and the league campaign, where they currently trail leaders Movistar Inter by five points.

Other Quarter-Final Results

Movistar Inter demonstrated their championship credentials with a commanding performance against Viña Albali Valdepeñas. The Madrid-based team dominated from the start, building a 5-0 lead in the first half before closing out a 7-3 victory. Cecilio continued his impressive scoring form with two goals, while coach Alberto Riquer expressed satisfaction with his team’s return to the Final Four after a four-year absence.

Illes Balears Palma secured their spot in dramatic fashion, overcoming a 3-2 deficit against Wanapix Zaragoza with four unanswered goals to win 6-3. Coach Antonio Vadillo’s team maintains their impressive run of qualifying for every available final phase this season, having already defended their Intercontinental title.

Final Four Details

The Copa del Rey Final Four will take place in Cartagena on May 17-18, featuring Jaén Paraíso Interior, Movistar Inter, and Illes Balears Palma. The fourth participant will be determined in the remaining quarter-final match between Jimbee Cartagena and Peñíscola Servigroup.

Before the Copa del Rey finals, Illes Balears Palma faces another crucial challenge in early May, when they travel to Le Mans for the UEFA Futsal Champions League semifinals. Their opponent will be drawn from Jimbee, Sporting de Portugal, or Kaira Kazajo, with the draw scheduled for February 22.