Atletico Madrid reached their first Copa del Rey final in 13 years on Tuesday night, surviving a breathtaking Barcelona onslaught to progress 4-3 on aggregate. Despite suffering a 3-0 defeat on the night at the Spotify Camp Nou, Diego Simeone’s side leveraged their massive 4-0 first-leg advantage to extinguish a "Remontada" attempt that came within a single goal of forcing extra time.
Barcelona’s 18-year-old sensation Marc Bernal struck twice, and captain Raphinha converted a penalty as the Catalans dominated from kickoff. However, a string of world-class saves from Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso ensured the Rojiblancos would be the ones heading to Seville for the final on April 18.
Entering the match needing four goals to level the tie, Hansi Flick’s side pinned Atletico deep into their own territory from the first whistle. The revival was sparked by Lamine Yamal, who continued his stellar form by dancing past two defenders to set up Marc Bernal for a 30th-minute opener.
Raphinha doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time from the penalty spot after Pedri was tripped in the box. When Bernal volleyed home a third in the 72nd minute, the Camp Nou reached a fever pitch. In a desperate final gamble, Flick even deployed center-back Ronald Araujo as a striker to "make the impossible possible," but the elusive fourth goal never arrived.
Aggregate score: Atlético Madrid 4-3 Barcelona
Goals: Marc Bernal (30', 72'), Raphinha (45+2' P)
Possession: Barcelona 68% - 32% Atlético Madrid
Saves: Juan Musso (Atlético) - 7 key saves
Injury update: Jules Kounde (Barca) and Alejandro Balde (Barca) both forced off.
While the result was a loss on the night, Barcelona's young core received high praise for nearly overturning a "terminal" deficit.
For Diego Simeone, the match was a grueling exercise as Atletico struggled to find an outlet for most of the night, with Ademola Lookman and Antoine Griezmann missing rare opportunities to kill the tie on the counter.
Barcelona are one of the best teams in the world, but we got through. We are going to the final; we will give our everything to get the Copa del Rey.
Juan Musso, Atletico Madrid Goalkeeper
Atletico Madrid will face the winner of Wednesday night’s second semifinal between Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao. Real Sociedad currently holds a 1-0 advantage heading into the second leg.
For Barcelona, the focus shifts back to the La Liga title race and the Champions League. Despite the exit, captain Raphinha remained defiant: "If we continue playing like this, we’ll have a spectacular end to the season."
