Key Takeaways
- Atletico Madrid reached the Copa del Rey final despite losing 3-0 to Barcelona in the second leg, progressing with a 4-3 aggregate score.
- Barcelona scored three times in the return match but fell short, missing their chance to extend the game into extra time.
- Atletico’s first-leg victory of 4-0 proved crucial for their advancement to the final, their first appearance since 2013.
- Barcelona controlled much of the game but could not overcome the aggregate deficit, ending their title defense.
- Atletico will face the winner of Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao in the final, with details about date and venue not provided.
Atletico Copa del Rey final qualification was confirmed after a two-leg semi-final against Barcelona. Atletico Madrid lost 3-0 in the second leg at Camp Nou. However, the team advanced with a 4-3 aggregate score. Atletico had built a four-goal advantage in the first leg at home.
The return match was played in Barcelona. The hosts needed at least four goals to overturn the deficit. Barcelona scored three times but did not level the aggregate score.
Barcelona Win Second Leg but Miss Atletico Copa del Rey Final Spot
Barcelona opened the scoring in the first half. Marc Bernal found the net to give the home side the lead. Raphinha converted a penalty before halftime. Bernal scored again late in the match. The final score of the second leg was 3-0.
Despite the win, Barcelona were eliminated from the competition. The aggregate score remained in Atletico’s favor. Barcelona entered the tie as defending Copa del Rey champions. Their comeback attempt fell one goal short of forcing extra time.
Barcelona controlled possession for much of the match. The team created multiple chances. Atletico defended their aggregate advantage throughout the game.
Path to the Atletico Copa del Rey Final
Atletico’s progression to the Copa del Rey final marks their first appearance in the final since 2013. The decisive result came from their 4-0 victory in the first leg. That margin proved sufficient despite the defeat in Barcelona.
Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde left the pitch with an injury before full time. Medical staff attended to him during the match. No further medical details were provided.
Atletico will face the winner of the other semi-final between Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao. The date and venue of the final were not detailed in the report.
The Atletico Copa del Rey final place was secured based on aggregate scoring rules across two matches. The competition follows a two-leg semi-final format. Atletico now move forward to compete for the Copa del Rey title.