Barcelona's Lionel Messi watches on as his Atletico Madrid come from behind to win 3-2 in Spanish Super Cup Two late goals from Simeone’s men helped to secure an all Madrid Final.
In one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Supercopa de Espana , two of Spain’s heavy weights in Atletico Madrid and Barcelona FC took to the field in what would be a final deciding tie.
What has proved thus far to be a very closely contested race for the La liga title, Atletico Madrid entered the Spanish Super Cup fixture in hopes of spoiling a possible El Clasico final, which would see contenders Barcelona taking on firm favourites Real Madrid. With Madrid having secured their spot in this years final with a 3-1 win over Valencia earlier this week.
Barcelona entered the game with 3 draws within their last 5 fixtures, Atletico looking the more consistent of the two with 3 wins and a draw within their last 5, in true form this was not to be a disappointing fixture.
Diego Simeone’s men pulled off a stunning display of determination to come from behind and secure their place in the final with a 3-2 win over Barcelona. A late 81′ penalty from Alvaro Morata, and an awkward 3rd by Angel Correa gave the Madrid side the much needed win.
In a grueling tussle of strength on the ball it was Barcelona who enjoyed the majority of the possession in the first half, this however wasn’t without Atletico’s own resistance as a decent long range effort by Ghanaian Thomas Patey tested keeper Neto early on. The first half continued to show great promise with both sides launching wave after attack, at the other end it was Slovenian shot stopper Oblak the busier of the two keepers as he parried away a shots by Vidal and a later close call effort by Messi. Antoine Griezmann came close with his effort only to deny Barcelona again with a much needed opening goal before half time. Both sides went into the break level.
With just seconds after the 2nd half it was substitute Koke with a calmly finished effort to give the Madrid side the opening goal. Barcelona showed little signs of giving up as they launched multiple efforts only to be matched by a solid Atletico defensive line. It was of course Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi who showed a touch of pure class to battle his way through Atletico defense and level things with a stunning effort.
Griezmann came close again shortly after with a cheeky chip to try and beat Oblak, but this wasn’t to be. A goal by Messi was ruled out through VAR in the 60th min, a possible hand ball which would of giving Barcelona a commanding 2-1 lead. Barcelona were eventually rewarded with the lead as Suarez’s header was carried into the path of oncoming Antoine Griezmann who made no mistake in heading the ball into the back of the Atletico net. 2-1 it stood to Barcelona after 61′.
Things remained locked until the 74′ when a stunning free kick was put into the path of Vidal and slotted home by Pique, the goal unfortunately was ruled out by VAR for an offside call. It was Atletico who would eventually spoil the final party for Barcelona, Neto bringing down Vitolo for a penalty, Morata with a cool finish to level matters. The tie looking to extra time at 2-2.
The clash eventually turned ending in true semi final fashion with a touch and go late 86′ winner by Angel Correa. Neto doing all he can to try and keep out the effort but the ball eventually crossing the line, Goal line technology having the final call.
The win see’s Atletico taking on Madrid rivals at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The fixture is scheduled for Sunday 12th January. This will be a must win game for both teams who saw no sign of silverware last season.
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