The Digest:
Atletico Madrid scraped into the Copa del Rey final despite a 3-0 second-leg defeat at Barcelona, advancing 4-3 on aggregate to reach the showpiece for the first time since 2013. Barcelona produced a furious comeback attempt at Camp Nou, with 18-year-old Marc Bernal netting twice and Raphinha adding a penalty, but fell just short of overturning Atletico's 4-0 first-leg advantage. The Spanish champions threw everything at Diego Simeone's side, with Bernal volleying home Cancelo's cross to set up a frantic finale. Barcelona pushed forward desperately, even deploying center-back Ronald Araujo up front in search of a fourth goal, but Atletico held firm through six minutes of stoppage time to secure their place in the April 18 final in Seville. They will face either Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao. Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman started for Atletico and headed narrowly off-target in the first half.
Key Points
- Atletico's 4-0 first-leg cushion proved decisive, absorbing Barcelona's 3-0 response.
- Bernal's double highlighted Barcelona's young talent but couldn't complete the miracle comeback.
- Lookman's missed header could have extended Atletico's aggregate lead and reduced second-leg pressure.
- Barcelona's desperation move, playing Araujo up front, underscored their all-out attacking approach.
- Atletico's gritty defensive stand in the final 15 minutes secured their long-awaited final return.
Sources: Match Report, Player Interviews
