Barcelona witnessed their Copa del Rey title defense and aspirations for a treble culminate in failure, as their endeavor for a remarkable recovery from the initial leg’s loss to Atletico Madrid proved insufficient, with a 3-0 triumph at Camp Nou not being enough.
The Blaugrana were overwhelmed 4-0 by Diego Simeone’s squad in the opening fixture in Madrid, necessitating a replication of Barca’s Champions League successes of 2017, when they overcame Paris Saint-Germain 6-1 in the subsequent match to reverse a four-goal disadvantage and advance.
For an extended period, it appeared as if a repeat of ‘La Remontada’ was imminent, with a brace from Marc Bernal, flanked by a Raphinha spot-kick, placing them on the verge of compelling extra time.
Nonetheless, the concluding 18 minutes of regulation play following Bernal’s second, plus the six minutes of supplementary time, failed to produce the crucial score for Barca, as Atleti held firm to secure a showdown with either Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao.
Barcelona commence swiftly
Barcelona, predictably, commenced with vigor, with Fermin Lopez frustrated by Juan Musso, who assisted his squad once more to hinder Ferran Torres after Raphinha had sent the ball into the side-netting.
Antoine Griezmann squandered an obvious opportunity at the opposing end when he fired directly at Joan Garcia, and Atletico were penalized for his wastefulness by Bernal, whose initial goal came after a magnificent setup from Lamine Yamal.
After Musso had again thwarted Torres, Yamal secured possession on the left periphery of the box following the subsequent corner-kick. He was accompanied by two defenders, but impressively maneuvered beyond them before crossing the ball for Bernal to tap in.
Raphinha then nearly scored with a distant post header, but Ademola Lookman committed a significantly more glaring error for Atleti as he mishit a header wide from Marcos Llorente’s superb right-flank delivery.
Again, Atletico suffered the consequence as Pedri was brought down in the penalty area by Marc Pubill, enabling Raphinha to step up and deceive Musso, with Barca extending their advantage just before the interval.
Comeback attempt proves inadequate
Musso executed two additional crucial blocks early in the commencement of the second period to repel shots from Joao Cancelo and Bernal, though he was powerless to hinder the latter from doubling his tally from the former’s lengthy delivery.
Video evidence indicated Bernal had returned from an illicit position, but the goal was nevertheless validated.
However, Atletico’s defensive strategy demonstrated greater efficacy thereafter and, though Bernal attempted a curved shot for an opportunity for a triple to compel additional time over the crossbar, Musso’s goal was largely unthreatened as Barca saw their courageous endeavor to achieve the recovery and sustain their aspirations for three trophies conclude in frustration.
Atletico approaching conclusion of 13-year hiatus
Atletico have not secured the Copa since achieving it in the 2012-13 season, a year prior to them astonishing LaLiga by ending the dominance of Barca and Real Madrid’s monopoly over the championship.
Nevertheless, after withstanding the Blaugrana’s assault, they will now be the expected side to claim the prize.
Sociedad maintain a slim advantage of 1-0 over their regional adversaries subsequent to the initial match at San Mames. Nonetheless, with the two teams tied on points in LaLiga, the contest remains finely poised.
Atletico, currently occupying third position in LaLiga, will be anticipated to triumph irrespective of which contender emerges victorious from the subsequent semi-final.
Barcelona will confront Athletic on Saturday as they endeavor to expand their four-point advantage over Madrid at the summit of LaLiga, prior to journeying to Newcastle United for the inaugural match of their Champions League round of 16 encounter next Tuesday.