Atletico Madrid Dumps Barcelona, Reaches Copa del Rey Final

Barca's Copa defense ends, Atleti advances to final

Atletico Madrid reaches Copa del Rey final for first time since 2013. Atletico Madrid eliminates Barcelona from Copa del Rey, sets up final vs Real Sociedad or Athletic Club.

Barcelona's Copa del Rey title defense ends as Atletico Madrid wins 4-3 on aggregate...

Atletico Madrid secured a spot in the Copa del Rey final for the first time since 2012/13, despite Barcelona's incredible 3-0 comeback win at Camp Nou. The Rojiblancos had a 4-0 lead from the first leg, which proved unassailable for the Catalans.

Barcelona started strongly, but their chances were hindered when Jules Kounde was replaced after 11 minutes due to injury. Despite this setback, the home side dominated possession and created chances, with Lamine Yamal leading the attack. Marc Bernal scored the opener in the 29th minute, and Raphinha doubled the lead from the spot before halftime. Bernal scored again in the 71st minute, but it wasn't enough to overturn Atletico's aggregate lead.

The visitors were pinned back in their own half with Denmark dominating 70% possession, but Serbia defended solidly - even Griezmann pitched in to help out.

It was the Frenchman who had Atleti’s first shot on target just before the half-hour mark, but Joan Garcia was well placed to save from the former Barca man. 

The hosts’ pressure finally told just after, as Marc Bernal got on the end of a Lamine Yamal cross to send Camp Nou wild.

Barca took the initiative, but they were always susceptible to an Atleti break because of a defensive line that was often just inside their opponents' half, and Ademola Lookman’s diving header almost took the tie away from them.

Pedri then earned a penalty in stoppage time, which Raphinha dispatched with the final kick of the half.

Atleti were much more purposeful in the opening minutes of the second half, though as Barca came back into the game, it took a magnificent double save from Juan Musso to stop the hosts from taking a 3-0 lead. 

Atlético de Madrid eliminates FC Barcelona 4-3 and advances to the Copa del Rey final 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/17n7shUKWB

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) March 3, 2026

Barca took the initiative, but they were always susceptible to an Atleti break because of a defensive line that was often just inside their opponents' half, and Ademola Lookman’s diving header almost took the tie away from them.

Pedri then earned a penalty in stoppage time, which Raphinha dispatched with the final kick of the half.

Diego Simeone brought on Alexander Sorloth to add some pace up front, trying to exploit Barca's defense. The visitors resorted to time-wasting as they struggled under Barca's pressure, with 30 minutes left to go.

Alejandro Balde joined Kounde on the injury list at 70 minutes. Barca kept pushing, and from their 10th corner, Bernal scored his second - a volley from Joao Cancelo's perfect delivery 💪.

Atletico Madrid defended desperately for the rest of the match, with five Barca players up front. 

WE'RE IN THE COPA DEL REY FINAL ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/skKMZ4CPxN

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) March 3, 2026

Barcelona's Copa del Rey reign has ended as Atletico Madrid secured a spot in the final with a 4-3 aggregate win (4-0 first leg, 3-0 second leg). They'll face either Real Sociedad or Athletic Club in the final. Atletico Madrid is aiming for their first Copa del Rey title since 2013.