In the end there was only a goal difference on aggregate over the tie as FC Barcelona beat Atlético Madrid 3-0 to fall just short of what looked like an impossible comeback in the Copa del Rey semi-final. Hansi Flick's side put on one of their best performances of the season and had the visitors on the ropes for most of the match. Marc Bernal scored two and Raphinha put away a penalty, but no further goals ultimately came to force extra time.


Kounde injury before Bernal scores

Barça began as they meant to go on, pressing with energy and preventing Atlético Madrid from having any possession. Fermin fired an early effort over, but a setback came when Kounde had to go off after 10 minutes to replaced by Cancelo.

More chances came and went through Raphinha and Ferran Torres, but it wasn't until a short corner ended up at the feet of Lamine Yamal and he went down to the left byeline to cross for Marc Bernal to score right in front of goal to make the 45,399 watching on in Spotify Camp Nou roar.

THE COPA DEL REY SEMI-FINAL AS IT HAPPENED

Second before half-time

The visitors had a chance of their own through Griezmann that Joan Garcia saved before Lookman headed over a cross from the right when well placed to score. Barça still had the same task ahead of them then, and the chance to achieve the unlikely comeback grew closer after Pubill fouled Pedri in the area and Raphinha dispatched the spot kick past Musso to make it 2-0. The dream was still on.

Third goal and another injury  

More of the same after the break. Lamine Yamal was growing more into the game, tormenting Ruggeri, but the third goal wouldn't seem to come, even with Olmo and Rashford on as subs. Atlético Madrid were defending with their lives, but they were soon to be breached again.

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Another injury saw Balde have to be replaced after 70 minutes, forcing Flick to use his final substitution to bring on Araujo as an auxiliary centre forward. He was in fact well placed just behind Marc Bernal who got his second and third goal of the game shortly after. 

Goodbye to the Copa for this year

Only one more goal was needed and there was still plenty of time to get it. A now very tired Barça side were still giving their all, but it wasn't to be and the final whistle blew on the Copa del Rey adventure this year. They can be very proud of their efforts to try to turn around the tie, som hi! 

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