Atletico Madrid Reach Copa del Rey Final Despite 3-0 Loss to Barcelona

By Eppe Franklyne

• Atletico Madrid advanced to the Copa del Rey final for the first time since 2013.
• Despite a 3-0 loss to Barcelona in the second leg, Atletico’s 4-0 first-leg win secured a 4-3 aggregate victory.
• Barcelona staged a strong fightback, with 18-year-old Marc Bernal scoring twice and Raphinha converting a penalty.
• Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso made crucial saves to preserve the aggregate lead.
• Atletico will face the winner of Real Sociedad vs Athletic Bilbao in the final.

Atletico Madrid reached the Copa del Rey final for the first time since 2013 despite a 3-0 defeat by Barcelona on Tuesday, its 4-0 first-leg win in Madrid enough to secure a 4-3 aggregate victory in a breathless semifinal.

Barcelona came close to forcing extra time, with 18-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal scoring in each half and Raphinha converting a penalty after Pedri was fouled. Lamine Yamal assisted the first goal for Bernal in the 30th minute.

Atletico had chances to relieve the pressure, including Ademola Lookman heading narrowly wide. Musso made several critical saves in the second half, keeping Atletico’s aggregate lead intact.

The third goal for Barcelona came in the 72nd minute when Bernal volleyed home from a Joao Cancelo cross, but Atletico held on to progress.

Atletico will now face the winner of the other semifinal between Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao, with Sociedad leading 1-0 from the first leg.

Barcelona captain Raphinha praised his team’s performance despite the elimination, noting the pride fans and players feel from the fightback.