Barcelona winning a trophy at Real Madrid’s home ground is already a special moment. But hearing the Barça anthem ring through the Santiago Bernabéu while the players celebrate? That’s a different level of rivalry.
Watch the video below and enjoy a legendary moment from Barcelona’s history.
On June 28, 1997, FC Barcelona defeated Real Betis 3-2 in extra time to win the Copa del Rey final at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid.
It was a dramatic final, with five goals, two comebacks, and a late winner from Luis Figo. But the story did not end with the final whistle.
According to the legendary story surrounding the celebration, Barcelona vice-president Joan Gaspart reportedly took a tape of the Barça anthem, Cant del Barça, to the stadium announcer’s booth and convinced the announcer to play it through the Bernabéu’s speakers.
The result? Barcelona’s anthem was reportedly heard inside Real Madrid’s famous stadium while Barça celebrated their Copa del Rey triumph.
Since then, Real Madrid made sure that Santiago Bernabeu never host the Copa Del Rey final between Barca and other teams to avoid situation like this. This even pushed them to selling less ticket to Barca fans during El Clasico games.
How the 1997 Copa del Rey Final Went
The match had everything a football fan could ask for: an early Betis goal, Barcelona fighting back, another Betis lead, a late equaliser, and a decisive extra-time winner.
For Barça, it was a memorable way to lift the Copa del Rey trophy.
11′ – Alfonso Gives Real Betis the Lead
Real Betis started the final strongly and took the lead in the 11th minute.
Striker Alfonso found the back of the net to put Betis 1-0 ahead.
Barcelona had to respond, and they did just before halftime.
45′ – Luis Figo Equalises for Barcelona
Just before the break, Luis Figo scored for Barcelona to make it 1-1.
The goal gave Barça a much-needed boost heading into halftime.
The two teams went into the break level, but the drama was far from over.
52′ – Finidi George Puts Betis Ahead Again
Real Betis regained the lead in the second half.
Finidi George scored in the 52nd minute to make it 2-1.
Barcelona were once again behind and needed another comeback if they wanted to lift the Copa del Rey trophy.
85′ – Juan Antonio Pizzi Brings Barça Level
With the final entering its closing stages, Juan Antonio Pizzi scored for Barcelona in the 85th minute.
The goal made it 2-2 and kept Barça’s hopes of winning the trophy alive.
Neither side could find the decisive goal before the end of normal time, so the final went into extra time.
115′ – Luis Figo Scores the Extra-Time Winner
Then came the moment Barcelona fans had been waiting for.
In the 115th minute, Luis Figo scored his second goal of the final to put Barcelona 3-2 ahead.
Real Betis could not find another equaliser, and Barça held on to win the Copa del Rey.
1997 Copa del Rey Final Match Details
- Final: FC Barcelona vs Real Betis
- Result: Barcelona 3-2 Real Betis after extra time
- Date: June 28, 1997
- Venue: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
- Attendance: 82,498
- Barcelona manager: Bobby Robson
- Competition: Copa del Rey
- Winner: FC Barcelona**.**
What Is the Cant del Barça?
The Cant del Barça is FC Barcelona’s official club anthem.
It is one of the most recognisable sounds in Barcelona football, traditionally sung by fans at Camp Nou and during major Barça celebrations.
So, hearing the anthem inside the Santiago Bernabéu after Barcelona won the Copa del Rey made the occasion even more symbolic.
It was not just about winning a trophy. It was about celebrating Barça in the home of their biggest rivals.
Bobby Robson’s Final Match as Barcelona Manager
The 1997 Copa del Rey final was also significant for Bobby Robson.
The English manager guided Barcelona to victory over Real Betis in what was his final match as the club’s manager.
Robson’s Barcelona side finished the night with another trophy, and the Copa del Rey triumph added to a memorable period in the club’s history.
For Barça fans, it was a fitting way to end his time in charge.
Barcelona’s 23rd Copa del Rey Trophy
The victory over Real Betis gave Barcelona their 23rd Copa del Rey title.
It was another addition to the club’s rich history in the competition.
But beyond the trophy itself, the final is remembered for the dramatic 3-2 scoreline, Luis Figo’s extra-time winner, and the legendary story of the Barça anthem playing inside Real Madrid’s stadium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Barcelona play their anthem inside the Santiago Bernabéu?
Yes, according to the legendary story surrounding Barcelona’s 1997 Copa del Rey final victory. The Cant del Barça was reportedly played through the Bernabéu’s speakers while Barça celebrated their win over Real Betis.
When did Barcelona win the Copa del Rey at the Bernabéu?
Barcelona won the 1997 Copa del Rey final on June 28, 1997, at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid.
Who did Barcelona beat in the 1997 Copa del Rey final?
Barcelona defeated Real Betis 3-2 after extra time to win the Copa del Rey.
Who scored Barcelona’s goals in the 1997 Copa del Rey final?
Luis Figo scored twice for Barcelona, while Juan Antonio Pizzi scored once. Figo’s second goal came in the 115th minute of extra time to secure the trophy.
Who was Barcelona’s manager in the 1997 Copa del Rey final?
Bobby Robson was Barcelona’s manager when the club defeated Real Betis 3-2 in the 1997 Copa del Rey final.
Who was Joan Gaspart?
Joan Gaspart was Barcelona’s vice-president during the 1997 Copa del Rey final. He is associated with the legendary story of the Barça anthem being played inside the Santiago Bernabéu after the victory.
How many Copa del Rey titles had Barcelona won by 1997?
The 1997 Copa del Rey victory was Barcelona’s 23rd title in the competition.
