Atletico reach Copa del Rey final despite 3-0 loss at Barcelona

2026-03-03 - 22:44

Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo celebrates the third goal against Atletico Madrid during the Spanish King’s Cup semi-final second leg. (EPA Images pic) BARCELONA: Atletico Madrid reached the Copa del Rey final for the first time since 2013 despite a 3-0 defeat at Barcelona on Tuesday, their 4-0 first-leg win in Madrid sealing a 4-3 aggregate semi-final victory. Barcelona dominated from the start knowing they needed four goals to force extra time. Marc Bernal, 18, starting in place of the injured Frenkie De Jong, struck in the 30th minute from Lamine Yamal’s low cross. Raphinha added a spot kick in first-half added time after Pedri was fouled inside the box, and Bernal volleyed in a third from Joao Cancelo’s delivery in the 72nd, but Barca could not find the fourth goal they required. Diego Simeone’s side will face either Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao in next month’s final in Seville as Barcelona’s title defence ended.