Atlético Cling Onto Copa del Rey Final Spot

Atlético Madrid was able to secure their win against FC Barcelona during their second leg match. This will be their first Copa del Rey final in over 13 years, despite their 3-0 loss.

Barcelona’s Rally

Barça were desperate to reduce their deficit from a 4-0 loss to Atlético during the first leg in February. Though suffering the loss of Jules Kunde in the 13th minute, Marc Bernal helped put the hosts ahead by one from Joao Cancelo’s cross in the 29th minute.

Atlético nearly leveled the score with a glance off the post by Antonie Greizmann, but Raphinha quieted their momentum down with a penalty kick to give Barça a 2-0 lead before the half.  

Coming back from break Barça continued to knock on Atlético’s door. Building up a play from the right side and forcing a double save from Juan Musso.

With just 18 minutes to go Bernal netted his brace, but Atlético managed to hold on to their 4-3 aggregate lead against Barça. 

“We gave everything we had from the start. We leave disappointed because we wanted to be in the final, and I think we deserved it after the game that we played,” said Raphinha.

Tough Challenge Ahead

Atlético will now have to come together and face their next opponent Real Sociedad for the finals on April 18th. 

Sociedad clinched their win with an additional goal from Mikel Oyarzabal at the penalty spot in the 87th minute. 

End Of My Rant On Atlético Madrid

Last time they met, Atlético’s win streak was halted by Sociedad with a 1-1 draw. Even with 16 points ahead of Sociedad in LALIGA, they’ll have to change tactics to counter Tuesday’s performance.