Atletico Madrid advanced to the Copa del Rey 2026 final despite suffering a 3–0 defeat to FC Barcelona in the semi-final second leg at Camp Nou on Tuesday. The aggregate score of 4–3 saw Diego Simeone’s side reach the final for the first time since 2013.
Barcelona, seeking a comeback after a 4–0 first-leg loss in February, started strongly. Youngster Marc Bernal scored twice, and Raphinha added a penalty, but Atletico clung on in the dying stages to secure progression.
“We knew it would be a tricky game, to come back from 4–0 down is not easy. But I’m proud of the team, we gave everything,” Raphinha said after the match.
Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso praised his side’s resilience:
“We are dreaming of winning the cup. Maybe it wasn’t our best game, we were better in the first leg. We showed what we were made of in the final 15 minutes, it was all in their favour, their pitch, their fans, they needed just one more goal, but the team suffered through it.”
Barcelona dominated much of the match, with Fermin Lopez and Pedri creating chances, but Atletico’s defensive grit and key saves from Musso ensured they held onto their aggregate advantage.
Atletico Madrid will now face the winner of the second semi-final between Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao in the final, scheduled for April 18 in Seville.
Despite the heavy defeat at Camp Nou, Diego Simeone’s team showed composure under pressure and celebrated a hard-fought place in the Copa del Rey final.
