Barcelona, March 3: Catalan giants Barcelona have been eliminated from the Copa del Rey despite securing an impressive 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the semi-final on Tuesday night. The Blaugrana bowed out of the competition after losing 4-3 on aggregate.
Atletico Madrid had claimed a commanding 3-0 win in the first leg, putting Barcelona under immense pressure heading into the return fixture at Spotify Camp Nou.
Barcelona started strongly and took the lead in the 29th minute through Marc Bernal. The hosts doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time when Raphinha found the back of the net, giving Barcelona a 2-0 cushion at the break.
The comeback hopes intensified in the 72nd minute as Bernal scored his second goal of the night to make it 3-0, putting the tie level on aggregate and igniting belief among the home supporters. However, Barcelona failed to find the crucial fourth goal that would have completed a dramatic turnaround.
Despite winning the match 3-0, Barcelona were eliminated 4-3 on aggregate.
With the victory over two legs, Atletico Madrid have advanced to the Copa del Rey final. They will now face the winner of the second semi-final between Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad.
