Atletico Madrid endured a 3-0 defeat at Barcelona but held on for a 4-3 aggregate win to reach their first Copa del Rey final since 2013.
ATLETICO Madrid scraped into the Copa del Rey final despite a 3-0 second-leg defeat by Barcelona on Tuesday. The Spanish champions progressed 4-3 on aggregate after a desperate defensive rearguard at Camp Nou.
Barcelona’s comeback attempt fell just short despite a brace from youngster Marc Bernal and a Raphinha penalty. The record 32-time winners almost overturned a 4-0 first-leg deficit from early February.
Atletico, clinging on through six minutes of stoppage time, will face either Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao in the Seville final on April 18. The other semi-final concludes on Wednesday.
“We are disappointed but we can be very proud about the performance we showed today,” Barcelona coach Hansi Flick told reporters. He described his team’s display as “amazing” and said they created many chances to score more.
Atletico coach Diego Simeone insisted his side deserved to progress over the two legs. “We were close to getting back to the final (in recent years), and in this two-legged game we were better than Barcelona,” said Simeone.
Barcelona started aggressively, with Fermin Lopez firing just over early on. They suffered an early setback when defender Jules Kounde went off injured.
Ferran Torres missed two chances before Barcelona took the lead. Teenager Lamine Yamal set up fellow 18-year-old Bernal for a close-range finish.
Ademola Lookman headed wide for Atletico before Barcelona doubled their lead before half-time. Raphinha converted a penalty after Pedri was fouled by Marc Pubill.
Joao Cancelo was denied by a full-stretch save from Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso. Bernal then volleyed home Cancelo’s cross to set up a frantic finale.
Flick deployed centre-back Ronald Araujo as a striker in search of a decisive fourth goal. Gerard Martin hammered a late shot over as Atletico survived intense pressure.
“It’s been five years since we won a trophy, we wanted to get to a final for our fans,” said Atletico captain Koke. He acknowledged his team had to “suffer and resist” to advance.
Atletico’s progress is clouded by speculation over Antoine Griezmann’s future. The French forward has been linked with a move to MLS side Orlando City.
“I hope he will (play in the final), he deserves it more than anyone,” said Simeone about Griezmann.
Barcelona now focus on La Liga, where they lead Real Madrid by four points, and the Champions League last-16 tie against Newcastle. “The quality we saw today from the team, it’s there, it’s unbelievable, I’m really proud of my team,” added Flick.
The Sun Malaysia
