Barcelona: Atlético Madrid withstood a fierce second-leg onslaught from FC Barcelona at Camp Nou, booking their place in the Copa del Rey final despite a 3-0 defeat on the night and advancing 4-3 on aggregate.
Holding a commanding four-goal cushion from the first leg in February, Atlético arrived in Barcelona knowing they would need resilience as much as quality. Barça, chasing a remarkable comeback, started brightly and pushed Diego Simeone’s men deep into their own half for long spells.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when young midfielder Marc Bernal guided home from close range after a clever delivery from Lamine Yamal. The hosts doubled their lead just before the break as Raphinha calmly converted from the penalty spot following a foul on Pedri.
Barcelona’s belief grew in the second half, and Bernal struck again in the 72nd minute, volleying home from a cross by João Cancelo to bring the Catalans within touching distance of completing a stunning aggregate turnaround.
However, Atlético’s defensive resolve held firm in a tense finale. Goalkeeper Juan Musso produced several key saves, while the visitors weathered relentless late pressure to see out the tie.
“Maybe it wasn’t our best match, but it was a game of 180 minutes,” Musso said after the match. “They had everything going their way, but we suffered when we had to suffer. We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but we made it to the final.”
Raphinha, who impressed throughout, admitted Barcelona fell just short. “We gave everything from the start. It’s not easy to overcome a 4-0 defeat. We’re disappointed because we felt we deserved more.”
Atlético will now prepare for the showpiece final on April 18, where they will meet either Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao as they chase domestic silverware.
For Simeone’s side, the mission is clear: finish the job they began in emphatic fashion in the first leg and lift the Copa del Rey trophy.
Source: ESPN’
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