Contrary to the headline that suggested a Girona‑Barcelona showdown, the 2024‑25 Copa Catalunya never produced that fixture. Instead, the tournament delivered a string of upsets that reshaped the Catalan football landscape.
What Actually Happened in the 2024‑25 Cup
In the semi‑finals, RCD Espanyol ran wild against FC Barcelona, crushing the Blaugrana 5‑0. The result shocked fans who expected a tighter contest, especially given Barcelona’s recent dominance in domestic cup play. Meanwhile, Girona FC earned their place in the final by edging out FC Andorra 3‑2 in a tightly contested match.
The final, held on 23 July 2025 at the Nova Creu Alta stadium in Sabadell, pitted Espanyol against Girona. After a goalless 90 minutes, the title was decided from the spot. Girona held their nerve to win 5‑4 on penalties, securing their first Copa Catalunya trophy in recent history.
Implications for the Clubs and Catalan Football
Barcelona’s early exit may signal deeper issues within the squad. Losing by such a margin to a regional rival suggests defensive frailties that could spill over into La Liga. The defeat also reignites debate about the club’s commitment to regional competitions versus focusing on national and European priorities.
Girona’s victory, on the other hand, injects confidence ahead of the upcoming season. The win not only adds silverware to their cabinet but also proves they can compete against the traditional powerhouses of Catalonia. Their success could attract more attention from sponsors and help in retaining key players.
For Catalan football, the tournament highlighted the growing competitiveness beyond the usual duopoly of Barcelona and Espanyol. Smaller clubs are proving they can challenge the status quo, making future editions of the Copa Catalunya even more unpredictable and exciting.