The players of Atletico Madrid qualified for the final of the Spanish King’s Cup, although they lost to Barcelona 0-3 in the second leg of the semi-final. But Atletico’s 4-0 from the first game proved to be the key.
The statistics show how much the Catalans dominated. They had 71 % of ball possessionthey instructed 21 shots whereby nine in the frame Atletico’s goal, and they even had 15 corners. Guests none. But Atletico still go to the final, their first in 13 years.
Barca took the lead in the 29th minute with a goal Marc Bernal. Fermin took a short corner to Lamine Yamal, who “broke” his keeper, passed on the wing and sent a sharp pass in front of the goal to Bernal, who was left alone to score for 1-0.
Atletico could have equalized in stoppage time, Llorente crossed from the right and Lookman headed wide. Just a minute later Barca were awarded a penalty kick. Pubill knocked down Pedri, and referee De Burgos pointed to the white spot. Raphinha was safe for 2-0.
Barca came one step closer to a miracle in the 72nd minute, and Bernal was the scorer again. Again the Catalans had a corner, they again took a short shot. This time Joao Cancelo threw in front of the goal, a Bernal scored for 3-0. The goal was checked because of a possible backfield, but everything was clean.
In the last minute, the home team threw everything into the attack, but failed to score the fourth goal.
In the second semi-final on Wednesday, they meet in the Basque clash Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao. In the first match, Sociedad won 1-0 at San Mames with a goal by Benato Turrientes in the 62nd minute.
Atletico Madrid has been in the Cup final 19 times so far, winning ten times.
(Hina | Photo: FC Barcelona)
