Atletico Madrid withstood a fierce second-leg fightback from Barcelona to reach the Copa del Rey final, advancing 4-3 on aggregate after an intense encounter at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Trailing 4-0 from the first leg, Barcelona needed a near-perfect performance to keep their title defence alive. They delivered a spirited display and pushed Atletico to the brink, but ultimately fell just short of completing a remarkable comeback.
The hosts began on the front foot, pressing aggressively and creating early chances. Raphinha went close in the opening minutes, while Ferran Torres tested the Atletico defence with a couple of attempts. Alejandro Balde, who replaced the injured Jules Kounde, also forced a save from goalkeeper Juan Musso.
Barcelona’s breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Lamine Yamal produced a dazzling run down the left before crossing for 18-year-old Marc Bernal, who calmly slotted home from close range. The goal lifted the crowd and injected belief into Hansi Flick’s side.
Atletico remained dangerous on the counterattack. Antoine Griezmann hit the post, though the effort was later ruled offside, and Ademola Lookman missed a good chance to ease the pressure on the visitors.
Just before half-time, Barcelona were handed another opportunity when Pedri was fouled in the penalty area by Clement Lenglet. Raphinha stepped up and converted the spot-kick to make it 2-0 on the night and reduce the aggregate deficit.
After the restart, Atletico sought to slow the tempo and protect their advantage. Julian Alvarez forced a save from Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia, but the hosts continued to push forward in search of more goals.
Bernal struck again with 18 minutes remaining, turning in a Joao Cancelo cross to complete his brace and set up a tense finale. Barcelona threw everything forward, introducing Marcus Rashford to add fresh energy in attack, and continued to bombard the Atletico defence.
Despite sustained late pressure, including a curling effort from Gerard Martin that drifted narrowly over the bar, Barcelona could not find the decisive fourth goal.
Diego Simeone’s side held firm in the closing stages to secure their place in the final, where they will face the winner of the other semi-final between Real Sociedad and Athletic Club. Barcelona, meanwhile, bow out at the semi-final stage despite a valiant effort to overturn the heavy first-leg defeat.
