Atlético Madrid Edge into Copa del Rey Final After Dramatic Semi-Final Thriller

Atlético Madrid have secured their place in the 2026 Copa del Rey final for the first time since 2013, overcoming Barcelona in a tense two-legged semi-final that finished 4-3 on aggregate.

The Colchoneros dominated the first leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on February 12, stunning Barcelona with a commanding 4-0 victory. An own goal by Eric García, followed by strikes from Antoine Griezmann, Ademola Lookman, and Julián Álvarez, handed Diego Simeone's side a massive advantage and left the holders facing a near-impossible comeback.

In the return leg at Spotify Camp Nou on March 3, Barcelona mounted a spirited fightback, winning 3-0 thanks to a brace from 18-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal—who has now scored four goals in his last five appearances—and a Raphinha penalty. Despite the home side's dominance and late pressure, Atlético held firm to progress by the narrowest of margins.

The result marks a resilient display from Simeone's team, who absorbed intense second-leg pressure while protecting their first-leg lead. Atlético will now await the winners of the other semi-final between Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao in the April 18 final at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville.

Fans hailed Bernal's emergence as a bright spot for Barcelona amid the disappointment, while Atlético's progression reignites hopes of silverware in a competitive season.