Reasons for optimism in the Copa del Rey

After Tuesday's 4-4 draw against Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final in Montjuïc, the tie will be decided on 2 April at the Metropolitano in the second leg. How have Barça fared after drawing the first leg at home in the Copa del Rey? Let's have a look. 

Positive record 

Barça have made it to the final more times than not after a draw at home in the first leg. Of the five occasions it has happened, the blaugranes have got through on three occasions. The last time was in 2019 when after a 1-1 draw at Spotify Camp Nou in the first of their Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid, Barça pulled off an excellent 3-0 win away to reach the final. 

The other precedents date back to 1951 and 1974 against Athletic Club and Atlético Madrid respectively. 51 years ago against this season's semi-final opponents Barça went through thanks to a 2-1 win in the away leg in Madrid. 

In 1966 and in 2008 Barça went out after a draw at home in the first leg. On both occasions Zaragoza and Valencia, the blaugranes' nemesis in those seasons, went on lift the Copa del Rey. 

In Europe 

In the Champions League Barça have had mixed fortunes after a draw in the home leg. In 2009 Iniesta's legendary goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the second leg saw Barça through to the final in Rome where they would defeat Manchester United. 

In the European Cup Winners Cup in 1997 the blaugranes overcame Fiorentina in the semi-finals after a home draw to reach the final against PSG. In 2001 Barça lost 1-0 at Anfield to Liverpool in the second leg of their UEFA Cup semi-final after a 0-0 draw in the first leg at Spotify Camp Nou. The same scenario came about in 2008 when Frank Rijkaard's team lost out to Manchester United in the Champions League semi-final after a narrow defeat at Old Trafford.