Atletico Madrid booked their first Copa del Rey final appearance since 2013 on Tuesday. They advanced 4-3 on aggregate despite a 3-0 second-leg defeat to FC Barcelona.
Diego Simeone’s side relied on their commanding 4-0 first-leg victory in Madrid to survive a relentless comeback attempt at Camp Nou.
Barcelona’s Dominant Display
Barcelona dominated from kickoff. Eighteen-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal, starting in place of the injured Frenkie de Jong, struck in each half. Meanwhile, Raphinha converted a penalty after Pedri was fouled in stoppage time of the opening period.
Lamine Yamal ignited the revival in the 30th minute. He glided past two defenders before delivering a low cross for Bernal to finish from close range.
The hosts doubled their lead just before halftime when Marc Pubill brought down Pedri inside the box, and Raphinha calmly sent the penalty left as Juan Musso dived the other way.
Bernal’s second came in the 72nd minute, volleying in from a Joao Cancelo cross to leave Barcelona one goal short of leveling the tie. Atletico had chances of their own, with Ademola Lookman heading narrowly wide during a rare first-half foray forward.
Musso’s Heroics Seal Qualification
Musso proved decisive after the break, producing a string of saves to keep Atletico afloat. Notably, he made a one-handed stop from Pedri and denied Yamal multiple times.
“We’re in the final, that’s what matters,” Musso told reporters. “We knew it could be difficult. They’re one of the best teams in the world but we got through because we scored more goals than they did overall. That’s what it’s all about.”
Pride Despite Elimination
Barcelona captain Raphinha expressed pride in his team despite the elimination.
“A game like this makes you feel really proud of your team,” he said. “If we continue playing like this, we’ll have a spectacular end to the season.”
Atletico will meet the winner of the other semi-final between Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao in the final, with Sociedad holding a 1-0 first-leg advantage.
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