"Atletico 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."
"Eighteen-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."
"Bernal set up a frantic finale when he volleyed home Cancelo's swirling cross to take Barca within one goal of the crumbling Rojiblancos. 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."
Atletico Madrid reached the Copa del Rey final despite losing 3-0 to Barcelona in the second leg at Camp Nou, advancing 4-3 on aggregate. Barcelona dominated the match with early pressure, with 18-year-old Marc Bernal scoring twice and Raphinha converting a penalty to bring the hosts within one goal. Atletico, recovering from a 4-0 first-leg defeat, defended desperately in the final stages to secure their place in the final. This marks Atletico's first Copa del Rey final appearance since 2013. They will face the winner of the second semifinal between Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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