Real Sociedad Coach Jagoba Arrasate has conceded the Copa del Rey tie with Barcelona was over as soon as Lionel Messi scored at Anoeta.
La Real trailed 2-0 from the first leg but were confident of turning the game around at their own stadium, until a Messi goal in the 27th minute extended the Catalans’ lead.
Antoine Griezmann equalised late on the night but it wasn’t enough to stop Barca reaching the final, where they will play Real Madrid on April 19.
“It’s true Messi’s goal hurt us,” Arrasate told reporters after the game.
“Things became much more complicated, but in the second half we got into the game and stood up to this Barca side.
“I’m very happy with the work of my players.”
Arrasate added that in his opinion, Real Sociedad can be proud of their showing in this year’s Copa.
“We only lost at Barca and we know the circumstances there.
“Here we’ve shown great courage and scored, even though it wasn’t enough to win the tie, but it looks good for our future.”
