Diego Simeone lauds nine-man Atletico Madrid after they are eliminated from the Copa del Rey by Barcelona in 3-2 defeat

• Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 4-2 on aggregate in Copa del Rey
• Fernando Torres put Atletico ahead in the first minute of the game
• But Neymar scored twice to overturn the goal and lead Barcelona through 

Neymar struck twice as Barcelona came from behind to seal a 3-2 victory over nine-man Atletico Madrid and reach the Copa del Rey semi-final 4-2 on aggregate on Wednesday.

Fernando Torres put Atletico ahead inside the first minute with a precise strike from the edge of the area but Barca have clicked into form recently and hit back quickly through Neymar.

Atletico were awarded a penalty when Javier Mascherano was adjudged to have fouled Juanfran Torres on the half-hour mark, though television replays appeared to show the incident occurred outside the area.

The Barcelona players pose for the camera shortly after their Copa del Rey win against Atletico Madrid

Spanish striker Torres opened the scoring at the Vicente Calderon after just 40 seconds on Wednesday night

It started so well for then hosts, having scored in the opening 40 seconds through Fernando Torres

Former Chelsea forward Fernando Torres kisses the ground having opened the scoring for his boyhood club in the Copa del Rey

Neymar with a clinical finish within 10 minutes to level the scores at 1-1 in the Copa del Rey quarter-final clash

Raul Garcia made no mistake from the spot to restore Atletico's advantage.

Miranda put the ball into his own net as he attempted to clear a corner which had been flicked on by Sergio Busquets and in a lightning attack from Barca, Jordi Alba found Neymar in the area and the Brazilian finished clinically.

There were heated exchanges throughout the match with plenty at stake and it boiled over at half-time with Atletico midfielder Gabi Fernandez sent off following a confrontation in the tunnel.

Mario Suarez was also dismissed six minutes from the end after receiving his second yellow card.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone said after the match that he told his side to ease up in the second half.

'I think we started well but we gave up on the second half and then how we played was my decision – not to take risks conceding goals and without aspirations to score any,' Simeone told reporters.

The Argentine was also full of praise for Barcelona, who he feels are improving as the season progresses.

'Barcelona are much more intense in their play,' Simeone said. 'The arrival of Luis Suarez has empowered the squad, as has those of Bravo and Ter Stegen. They’re in a very good moment. 

Sportsmail's Big Match Stats: Atletico Madrid 2-3 Barcelona

Neymar (left) in celebration with Luis Suarez (right) after scoring the away side's first at the Vicente Calderon

Simeone was proud of his players efforts and said he told them to show restraint in the second half

Neymar and Messi roar in celebration as Luis Enrique's side manage to score three times in the first-half

'In the second half, we had to opt for a game that was more convenient for us against them.'

The Atletico players were angry with the performance of the referee but Busquets felt that neither side benefited from his decisions.

'I've also been told that the penalty conceded by Mascherano shouldn't have been given. There were mistakes made against both teams,' he told reporters.

'There was little control in the game in the first half. It was a good half for the fans and we took advantage of the openings that we had.'

Despite the fact they were chasing the game, Atletico coach Simeone said he asked his players to show more restraint at half time.

Sergio Busquets (right) believes that the refereeing decisions hindered both teams during the game

Brazilian star Neymar was presented with an easy chance to fire Barcelona 3-2 ahead on the night

'I told them not to take risks and concentrate on not conceding goals,' he told a news conference.

'I thought it was the best decision for the team and the club after the way the first half went.'

Barca will face the winners of Getafe and Villarreal who play on Thursday with the latter leading 1-0 from the first leg.

Athletic Bilbao are at home to Malaga having drawn 0-0 in the first leg and Espanyol travel to Sevilla leading 3-1.