So close, yet so far: Unlucky Barca fall one goal short, Atleti (un)deservedly reach Copa del Rey final

Atletico Madrid survived! Los Colchoneros barely ruined the 4-0 win from the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals, as they had only one idea in today’s clash at Camp Nou - defending the edge.

On the other hand, Barcelona went bravely for the comeback triumph - the popular remontada - believing they could pull off another miracle, like the one from 2017, when they knocked out Paris Saint-Germain from the Champions League with a 6-1 victory.

Nevertheless, they fell one goal short, beating Atleti 3-0, even though they had countless chances and could have smashed the rivals by at least a six-goal margin.

Marc Bernal could have been Barca’s hero, as he scored a brace, while Raphinha netted from the spot, but alas... Deservedly or not, Atletico will play the trophy match in the Copa del Rey.

Unlike the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals, but expectedly given its result (Atletico's 4-0 win), dominance is too weak a word to describe the opening 45 minutes at Camp Nou.

Practically all the notable moments happened in front of Juan Musso's goal, as Barcelona constantly weaved the web around the visitors' box. The Catalans made 13 attempts, six of which went on target. Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Fermin Lopez's efforts were coming one after another, and two of their strikes hit the target.

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At the half-hour mark, Yamal made a terrific solo run over the left flank and met alone Marc Bernal in the box, for an easy opener.

Los Colchoneros somehow held out until added time, but then their centre-back, Marc Pubill, brought down Pedri in the area, and Raphinha easily sent home the penalty kick, giving his team a massive advantage and making Diego Simeone and Co. sweat.

In the opening quarter of an hour after the break, Atletico's fortress was under a serious siege, but Musso kept their head above water after Torres and Bernal's efforts from inside the box. Consequently, Simeone had to react, subbing on Nahuel Molina and Alexander Sorloth for Ademola Lookman and Koke. A couple of minutes later, Hansi Flick responded, strengthening his attack with Marcus Rashford and Dani Olmo, who replaced Fermin and Torres.

Still, those weren't the German's last subs, as he was forced to sub on Ronald Araujo for the injured Alejandro Balde, who had entered the game in the 13th minute, replacing the injured Jules Kounde. Hence, the Catalans may have serious issues when it comes to their right defensive flank.

Either way, the home team didn't have enough time to think of that, as they scored their third goal minutes later, again over young Bernal, who met Joao Cancelo's perfect cross in the far post and found the bottom-left corner of Musso's goal, bringing Barca only one goal away from extra time.

Following that goal, Barcelona's hope was bigger than ever. Flick's men went desperately for the fourth goal, had a number of corner kicks and attempts, but Atletico managed to defend their net, and suffer a crushing loss, but not crushing enough to be eliminated.

In the grand final, Los Colchoneros will face the winner of the Basque duel between Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao.

COPA DEL REY - SEMIFINALS (RETURN LEG)

Tuesday

Barcelona - Atletico Madrid 3-0 (2-0)

/Bernal 29, 72, Raphinha 45+5 pen/

Atletico Madrid win 4-3 on aggregate

Wednesday

23.00: (2.15) Sociedad (3.35) Athletic Bilbao (3.45)

***odds are subject to change***