FC Barcelona has only been eliminated in 5 of its last 56 Copa del Rey ties

FC Barcelona maintains one of the most impressive statistics in Spanish football in the 21st century: they have only lost 5 of their last 56 Copa del Rey knockout ties. This figure reaffirms Barça's dominance in the KO tournament, especially in the last decade, where they have strung together titles, finals, and performances of enormous consistency with different coaches and generations.

The reigning champion, led by Hansi Flick, lifted their 32nd title in the competition in the 2024-25 season, after beating Real Madrid in the final (3-2). The path included an epic semi-final against Atlético de Madrid. After a 4-4 draw in Montjuïc, the Blaugrana team delivered the decisive blow at the Metropolitano with a hard-fought 0-1 victory. Previously, they had comfortably resolved the earlier rounds: 0-4 against Barbastro, 5-1 against Betis, and 0-5 against Valencia

Barça's Crushing Dominance: Only Five Losses Since 2010-11

Since the 2010-11 season, Barça has played 56 direct Copa del Rey knockout ties and has only been eliminated five times. The rest were 51 qualifications, an unprecedented record in recent Spanish football.

This performance spans very different eras: from the Guardiola era, through Luis Enrique and Valverde, to the most recent stage with Xavi Hernández and Hansi Flick.

The five eliminations that stopped Barça

Below is a detailed review of the only five occasions on which FC Barcelona was eliminated from the Copa del Rey over the last 56 knockout rounds:

1. 2012-13 Season: Real Madrid (2-4 on aggregate)

It was the first elimination of the series. Barça drew 1-1 at the Bernabéu, but lost 1-3 at the Camp Nou in the second leg of the semifinals. Real Madrid set a higher pace and exploited counterattacks that ended up deciding the tie.

2. 2019-20 Season: Athletic Club (1-0)

In a single-match format, the team then managed by Quique Setién was eliminated at San Mamés. A goal in the 93rd minute by Iñaki Williams decided the round of 16 tie, in a match marked by a lack of effectiveness in the penalty areas. Years later, Barça would get revenge by thrashing Athletic in the 2021 final (0-4)

3. 2021-22 Season: Athletic Club (3-2 after extra time)

The Basques were executioners once again at San Mamés. After an intense 2-2 draw in regular time with goals from Ferran Torres and Pedri, a penalty converted by Iker Muniain in extra time knocked Xavi Hernández's team out in the round of 16.

4. 2022-23 Season: Real Madrid (1-4 on aggregate)

Barça took the lead in the first leg with a 0-1 at the Bernabéu, thanks to an own goal by Militao. However, in the return leg played on April 5, 2023, Real Madrid completed a resounding comeback with a 0-4 at the Camp Nou: Vinicius opened the scoring and Benzema scored a hat-trick

5. 2023-24 Season: Athletic Club (4-2 after extra time)

Once again at San Mamés, Barça fell in the quarterfinals after a 2-2 draw in regular time. In extra time, Iñaki Williams and Nico Williams decided the match. Athletic would go on to win the Cup, defeating Mallorca on penalties.

Barça is the King of Cups: a statistic that defines an era

That FC Barcelona has only lost five of its last 56 Copa del Rey ties reflects one of the most solid periods in its recent history. The Catalan club has not only won titles, but has demonstrated a consistency that transcends generations and projects. The Cup remains a Blaugrana territory.