Marc Bernal netted twice for Barcelona as they beat Atletico Madrid however have been ousted within the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey on mixture: Picture: AFP
MADRID:
Atletico Madrid struggled by a 3-0 Copa del Rey semi-final second leg defeat at Barcelona on Tuesday however scraped into the ultimate 4-3 on mixture.
The Spanish champions virtually produced a comeback for the ages after their 4-0 first leg defeat in early February, however fell simply quick at Camp Nou.
Teenager Marc Bernal netted twice for the file 32-time winners and Raphinha scored a penalty as Barcelona tried in useless to claw again Diego Simeone’s aspect’s lead.
Atletico, who clung on desperately within the last phases, returned to the ultimate for the primary time since 2013.
They may face Actual Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao, who meet on Wednesday within the second semi-final second leg.
“We’re disillusioned however we will be very proud concerning the efficiency we confirmed immediately,” Barca coach Hansi Flick informed reporters.
“It was a tremendous recreation from us and we created loads of probabilities to attain much more objectives. Ultimately it did not occur and we now have to just accept it.”
Simeone insisted his workforce deserved to progress over the 2 legs.
“We have been near getting again to the ultimate (in recent times), and on this two-legged recreation we have been higher than Barcelona,” stated Simeone.
Barcelona got here out flying and Fermin Lopez’s long-range effort simply over the bar set the tone, as Hansi Flick’s workforce threw every thing that they had at a possible comeback.
They have been dealt an early setback when Jules Kounde went off injured within the opening phases.
Antoine Griezmann got here shut towards his former aspect as Atletico threatened on the counter-attack.
Ferran Torres fired large and had a shot saved low on the close to publish by Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso earlier than Barcelona took the lead.
Teenage star Lamine Yamal drilled throughout the face of aim for Bernal to complete from shut vary, with one 18-year-old organising one other.
Ademola Lookman headed narrowly off-target for Atletico and got here to rue the miss as Barca doubled their benefit earlier than the interval.
Spain midfielder Pedri was tripped within the field by Marc Pubill and Raphinha despatched Musso the flawed method from the spot.
Atletico maintain out
Joao Cancelo virtually grabbed the third however his shot was overwhelmed away by Musso at full stretch, with Simeone’s workforce on the ropes.
Bernal arrange a frantic finale when he volleyed dwelling Cancelo’s swirling cross to take Barca inside one aim of the crumbling Rojiblancos.
Flick put centre-back Ronald Araujo up entrance for the ultimate phases, looking for a fourth aim to “make the inconceivable doable”, as he referred to as on his workforce to do earlier than the sport.
Gerard Martin hammered narrowly over the bar as Barca turned the screw, with followers roaring the workforce on by six minutes of stoppage time.
The Rojiblancos fended off Barca and booked their place within the Seville last on April 18.
“It has been 5 years since we gained a trophy, we wished to get to a last for our followers,” stated Atletico midfielder Koke.
“We knew we’d be up towards it… you must endure and resist. The workforce did what it needed to do to get by.”
Atletico have no idea if talisman Antoine Griezmann will nonetheless be on the membership by the point the ultimate comes round.
The French ahead has been linked with a transfer to MLS aspect Orlando Metropolis.
“I hope he’ll (play within the last), he deserves it greater than anybody,” stated Simeone.
Barcelona are left to deal with La Liga, the place they lead Actual Madrid by 4 factors, and the Champions League, by which they face Newcastle within the final 16.
“The standard we noticed immediately from the workforce, it is there, it is unbelievable, I am actually happy with my workforce,” added Flick.
