Atletico Madrid are headed to its first Copa Del Rey Final since 2013.
Diego Simeone’s side avoided a late collapse at the Camp Nou on Tuesday, holding off Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate despite losing Tuesday’s second leg 3-0. American midfielder Johnny Cardoso started and played the full 90 minutes for Atletico Madrid, continuing his positive run in the squad.
It marked the first time this season that Cardoso has made four-consecutive starts.
Barcelona trimmed the aggregate deficit in half before halftime thanks to goals from Marc Bernal and Raphinha.
Bernal added his second goal of the match with 18 minutes to play, making it 3-0 Barcelona on the night and moving the hosts only goal back from forcing extra time. However, Argentinian goalkeeper Juan Musso stood tall to deny Barcelona from finding a late equalizer.
Musso finished the match with six saves, remaining in between the posts over No. 1 goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
Cardoso made five clearances, four interceptions, and won two duels from his midfield position.
Atletico Madrid will await the winner of the Real Sociedad-Athletic Bilbao series, with the Copa Del Rey Final taking place on April 18.
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