March 03, (THEWILL) — Barcelona’s 3-0 second-leg victory in the Copa del Rey semi-final was not enough to prevent Atletico Madrid from reaching the final, with the Madrid club advancing on a 4-3 aggregate score.
The hosts made their intentions clear from the outset at the Camp Nou, with Fermin Lopez striking the top of the crossbar within 71 seconds of kick-off.
Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Lamine Yamal all wasted early opportunities before Yamal turned provider on 29 minutes, squaring a low ball that Marc Bernal converted from close range.
Ademola Lookman headed over Atletico’s best chance of the first half, and Barcelona won a penalty shortly afterwards when Marc Pubill fouled Pedri.
Raphinha dispatched the spot-kick with composure on the stroke of half-time to give Barcelona renewed hope at the interval.
Barcelona maintained their dominance after the break, though the third goal did not arrive until the 72nd minute.
Another short corner routine allowed Joao Cancelo to whip in a cross, and Bernal stabbed home to set up a nervy finale.
Bernal then blazed over the bar when well-placed for a hat-trick, before Yamal curled wide in the final moments, leaving Atletico to progress.
The Madrid side had done enough in the first leg to see themselves to the Copa del Rey final.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
