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

‌Diego Simeone’s side reach ⁠Copa ⁠del Rey final for the first time since 2013 with 4-3 aggregate semifinal victory.Published On 3 Mar 2026Atletico Madrid struggled through a 3-0 Copa del Rey semifinal second leg defeat at Barcelona, but scraped into the final 4-3 on aggregate.The Spanish champions almost produced a comeback for the ages on Tuesday after their 4-0 first-leg defeat in early February, but fell just short at Camp Nou.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket frenzy unfolds amid global unrestlist 2 of 4City vs Real Madrid and PSG vs Chelsea to headline Champions League last 16list 3 of 4Cristiano Ronaldo buys 25 percent stake in Spanish second-tier club Almerialist 4 of 4Real Madrid bans club member over Nazi salute during Benfica matchend of listEighteen-year-old Marc Bernal netted twice for the record 32-time winners, and Raphinha scored a penalty, as Barcelona tried in vain to claw back the lead for Diego Simeone’s side.Atletico, who clung on desperately in the final stages, returned to the final for the first time since 2013.They will face Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao, who meet on Wednesday in the second semifinal leg.Barcelona came out flying, and Fermin Lopez’s long-range effort just over the bar set the tone, as Hansi Flick’s side threw everything they had at a potential comeback.They were dealt an early setback when Jules Kounde went off injured in the opening stages. Antoine Griezmann came close against his former side, as Atletico threatened on the counterattack.Ferran Torres fired wide and had a shot saved low at the near post by Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso before Barcelona took the lead.Teenage player Lamine Yamal drilled across the face of the goal for Bernal to finish from close range, with one 18-year-old setting up another.Ademola Lookman headed narrowly off-target for Atletico and came to rue the miss as Barca doubled their advantage before the interval.Spain midfielder Pedri was tripped in the box by Marc Pubill, and Raphinha sent Musso the wrong way from the spot.