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By Goli Innocent
Atletico Madrid were battered on the night but did just enough to reach the Copa del Rey final, despite a 3-0 defeat to FC Barcelona on Tuesday. Diego Simeone’s men advanced 4-3 on aggregate, clinging on desperately at Camp Nou after their dominant first-leg display.
Barcelona, beaten 4-0 in the first leg back in February, came out with serious intent. Youngster Marc Bernal struck twice, while Raphinha converted a penalty as the Spanish champions chased what would have been a remarkable comeback in front of their home fans.
The pressure was relentless, especially in the closing stages. Bernal’s second goal brought Barca within one strike of levelling the tie, and coach Hansi Flick even pushed defender Ronald Araujo up front in a last gamble. But Atletico dug deep, soaking up wave after wave of attack to protect their slim aggregate lead.
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Goalkeeper Juan Musso was one of the heroes on the night, pulling off key saves as the Rojiblancos bent but refused to break. Simeone’s side showed grit in the final 15 minutes, holding firm despite the noise and tension inside the stadium.
Barcelona’s Brazilian winger Raphinha admitted afterwards that the team gave everything but fell short. For Atletico, it marks their first Copa del Rey final appearance since 2013, a significant milestone after years of near misses in the competition.
They will now face either Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao in the final in Seville on April 18, with hopes high that this hard-fought qualification can end in silverware.
