Atletico Madrid reach Copa del Rey final despite 3-0 loss at Barcelona | Football News
Atletico Madrid Advances to Copa del Rey Final Despite Defeat
BARCELONA, March 3, 2026 — Atletico Madrid secured a place in the Copa del Rey final for the first time since 2013, despite suffering a 3-0 loss in the second leg of the semifinal against Barcelona. The aggregate score was 4-3 in favor of Atletico.
The match, held at Camp Nou, saw Barcelona mount a significant comeback effort after their initial 4-0 defeat to Atletico in February. Eighteen-year-old Marc Bernal scored twice for Barcelona, while Raphinha converted a penalty kick to keep their hopes alive.
Atletico fought to hold onto their lead, desperately defending against an aggressive Barcelona side.
Barcelona began the match energetically, with Fermin Lopez narrowly missing the goal with a long-range shot. The home team suffered a setback early on when defender Jules Kounde exited due to injury. Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann nearly scored against his former club, highlighting the tense back-and-forth.
Barcelona gained the upper hand when Lamine Yamal assisted Bernal, allowing the young forward to finish from close range. Atletico’s Ademola Lookman missed a chance to equalize, which proved costly as Barcelona doubled their lead just before halftime. After Marc Pubill fouled Pedri in the penalty area, Raphinha converted the penalty, sending Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso the wrong way.
Joao Cancelo came close to scoring a third goal for Barcelona, but Musso made a crucial save, keeping Atletico hopeful. Bernal’s volley from Cancelo’s cross reignited Barcelona’s chances, bringing the score to 3-4 on aggregate.
In a last-ditch effort, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick moved defender Ronald Araujo forward in pursuit of the fourth goal. Gerard Martin’s near miss intensified the pressure as Barcelona pushed for an equalizer during six minutes of stoppage time.
Ultimately, Atletico managed to fend off Barcelona’s relentless attacks and secure their spot in the final, scheduled for April 18 in Seville.
Musso emphasized the importance of advancing despite the defeat. “Barcelona are one of the best teams in the world, but we got through,” he stated post-match. “We are going to the final; we will give our everything, and get the Copa del Rey.”
Raphinha, reflecting on the match, expressed pride in his team’s effort while acknowledging the challenges they faced. “The fans could see we gave everything we had. … We did everything possible, but lacked a little bit,” he said. He also noted their focus shifting to La Liga and the Champions League titles.
