Barcelona threatened an incredible comeback against Atletico Madrid but fell short, as the holders were eliminated from the Copa del Rey in the semi-finals after a dramatic 4-3 aggregate defeat.
Marc Bernal’s two goals, each on the side of a Raphinha penalty, gave the home team hope for a spectacular comeback, but they were unable to score a fourth to force extra time despite late pressure.
Diego Simeone’s team hung on and will play the winner of Real Sociedad and Athletic Club, who face off in the other last four match on Wednesday, in the final.
Barcelona faced an uphill battle after being crushed 4-0 in the first leg last month, as they attempted to reach the final of a championship they had won 32 times.
Hansi Flick’s team started aggressively, pressing the visitors from the start and peppering Juan Musso’s goal.
Raphinha came near early on, firing into the side netting as Barcelona benefited from a heavy press that denied Atleti the opportunity to settle.
Ferran Torres then had two shots on goal before Alejandro Balde, who came on as an early replacement for the injured Jules Kounde, tested Musso.
The opening goal came in the 29th minute, when Lamine Yamal’s outstanding effort down the left created space for 18-year-old Bernal to tap in after finding himself unmarked in the box.
The goal gave fans at the Spotify Camp Nou hope that a comeback was on the way.
Barcelona defeated Atletico at this stage last season on their route to winning the championship, but they needed something special here to turn things around and continue their title defense.
Antoine Griezmann was Atleti’s brightest spark, hitting the post before the offside flag was raised, while Ademola Lookman missed a good chance.
But in first-half stoppage time, Clement Lenglet upended Pedri in the area, and Raphinha converted the resultant spot-kick by sending Musso the wrong way.
After the break, former Manchester City attacker Julian Alvarez caused Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia to make an early stop before Bernal called Musso back into action.
Marcus Rashford came off the bench as the hosts looked for more goals, but it was Bernal who struck next for the hosts, turning in Joao Cancelo’s cross with 18 minutes remaining for his fourth goal in four games.
Flick’s side continued to apply pressure late on, but the closest they got was Gerard Martin’s curled effort, which flew just over.
