Barcelona 3-0 Atletico Madrid (3-4 aggregate): Bernal 29, 72; Raphinha 45+5
Atletico Madrid always expected this to be a tough night, but they managed to withstand a Barcelona onslaught at Camp Nou to secure their place in the Copa del Rey final, advancing 4-3 on aggregate.
Trailing 4-0 from February’s first leg in the Spanish capital, Hansi Flick’s side produced the performance they promised. Teenage midfielder Marc Bernal scored twice and Raphinha converted a penalty but Diego Simeone’s side showed resilience to prevent a historic comeback and set up a showdown with either Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao.
Barcelona’s intent was clear from the outset when they pressed with energy. Raphinha whistled an early strike past the near post and Ferran Torres blazed over from close range, before Lamine Yamal forced goalkeeper Juan Musso into a sharp save after cutting inside from the flank.
Atletico had a few ideas of their own and began to threaten when Antoine Griezmann drew a save from Joan Garcia. But soon after the breakthrough came. Just before the half hour Yamal drove to the byline and fizzed a low cross through the six-yard box, where the unmarked Bernal steered a first-time finish into the net to crank up the home side’s belief.
In response, Griezmann rattled the woodwork and Ademola Lookman headed wastefully wide from Marcos Llorente’s inviting delivery. But with the visitors unable to find the net, Barcelona doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time. Clement Lenglet’s clumsy challenge on Pedri drew a penalty call, and Raphinha converted.
Atletico emerged for the second half looking shaky. Julian Alvarez managed to test Garcia early on to steady his side, but the scent of blood was too strong and Barcelona continued to push forward.
Raphinha’s curling free-kick was punched away by Musso, and the goalkeeper then produced a brilliant double save to deny first Bernal and then Raphinha before the offside flag went up to bring reprieve.
With 18 minutes remaining, Joao Cancelo’s cross from the right was met by Bernal on the volley and suddenly all that was left was one goal.
Hansi Flick’s side continued to push. Substitute Gerard Martin blasted over and Yamal curled a shot just around the far post but time was running out. Atletico could have pulled one back when Alexander Sorloth burst clear on the counterattack but the striker dragged his effort horribly wide. Tension remained until the whistle.
