BARCELONA, SPAIN — Barcelona produced a stunning 3-0 victory over Atlético Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou on Tuesday, but it was not enough. Atlético Madrid advanced to the Copa del Rey final 4-3 on aggregate, holding on to the commanding 4-0 lead they built in the first leg at the Metropolitano on February 12.
Marc Bernal was the architect of Barcelona's resurgence in the second leg, scoring twice in a midfield display that underscored just how dangerous this Barça side can be on their home turf. But for all their brilliance on the night, Barcelona were playing catch-up from the opening whistle — needing four goals to overturn Atlético's first-leg advantage, and they fell one short.
Barcelona pressed from the first minute, with Pedri threatening from distance inside two minutes. The relentless pressure paid off in the 29th minute when Lamine Yamal — electric throughout — provided the assist from a corner and Bernal converted from close range to make it 1-0 on the night, 4-1 on aggregate.
The hosts continued to pour forward after the break, knowing they needed three more goals to force extra time. Raphinha and Ferran Torres both threatened before Bernal completed his brace in the 72nd minute with a composed left-footed finish, assisted by João Cancelo's cross — 3-0 on the night, 4-3 on aggregate, and suddenly a dramatic finale loomed.
Barcelona pressed furiously in the final minutes. Atlético — dealing with an injury to Giuliano Simeone in the 76th minute — dug deep to protect their advantage. The visitors held firm, and the final whistle triggered Atlético celebrations as Diego Simeone's side confirmed their place in the Copa del Rey final.
The statistics painted a picture of a lopsided second leg: Barcelona had 70.9% possession, 21 shot attempts, nine on target, and 15 corners to none for Atlético. But over 180 minutes, Atlético had done enough. Their dominant 4-0 first-leg win proved decisive.
Atlético Madrid advance to the Copa del Rey final. Barcelona, despite a valiant second-leg effort, are eliminated.