FC Barcelona had a historic comeback against Atlético Madrid in mind, but was eliminated in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final.
The 3-0 (2-0) win on Tuesday evening was not enough to compensate for the 0-4 defeat from the first leg. Marc Bernal (29th, 72nd) and Raphinha (45th + 5) scored for defending champions Barca at the Camp Nou, but the fourth goal needed for extra time was not scored.
In the final on April 25th in Seville, Atlético will face either Real Sociedad San Sebastian, coached by Pellegrino Matarazzo, or Athletic Bilbao, who will play the second semi-final on Wednesday at 9 p.m. As leaders of the Spanish league, Barcelona still has a chance of winning a championship title and is also still in the running in the Champions League and faces Newcastle United in the round of 16.
Lamine Yamal leads the tour
Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez sent a signal straight away: after just 75 seconds he fired the first dangerous shot on goal and the ball hit the crossbar. Coach Hansi Flick then had to react early and replace the injured Jules Koundé, replacing him with Alejandro Balde. Robert Lewandowski (broken cheekbone), Frenkie de Jong (thigh injury) and Eric Garcia (red card suspension) weren’t even there.
After half an hour, Lamine Yamal, the weekend’s triple goalscorer, took the lead. He dribbled his way to the goal line on the left and crossed perfectly so that Bernal only had to push into the empty goal.
Lookman forgives, Raphinha converts
Barca had other opportunities, but Atlético were also always dangerous, especially through Antoine Griezmann. The Frenchman hit the outside post with a direct shot (42′). The opportunity was even greater for Ademola Lookman – he headed past from seven meters to the left in stoppage time in the first half.
Instead of an equalizer, Barca scored 2-0. Madrid’s Marc Pubill extended his leg in the penalty area and hit Pedri in the shin. Raphinha confidently converted the penalty that was due, so that his team could go into the locker room with great confidence.
Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo celebrates his goal for Barcelona
Even after the break: Yamal again and again
Atlético, on the other hand, seemed to be having trouble, as the first few minutes of the second half suggested. Barcelona’s Yamal launched one attack after another and was almost unstoppable. Madrid goalkeeper Juan Musso had to make several desperate saves.
Several substitutions then broke the rhythm of the game, allowing Atlético to breathe deeply. Among other things, Flick had to take Balde, who was substituted on in the first half, off the field because Ronald Araujo brought him on.
Cancelo crosses to Bernal
A standard situation brought the third goal. Joao Cancelo crossed from the right half of the field and Bernal converted straight away – the little miracle was now within reach.
At this point at the latest, Atlético switched to survival mode, positioned themselves deep in their own half and tried to gain time. It didn’t look confident, Bernal almost scored a third time (89′). But it was successful in the end.
