Atlético Madrid took an early lead against Barcelona in their Copa del Rey semifinal match, with Antoine Griezmann scoring to extend the advantage after a key mistake by the Barcelona goalkeeper.
In a thrilling Copa del Rey semifinal match at the Metropolitano stadium, Atlético Madrid dominated the early stages against FC Barcelona. The home team took an early lead following a critical error by Barcelona's goalkeeper Joan García, who failed to control a straightforward pass from Eric García. Just moments after narrowly saving a potential goal from Giuliano Simeone, García's misstep allowed Atlético to capitalize, marking the start of an exciting match.
Antoine Griezmann played a pivotal role in extending Atlético's advantage, scoring a well-placed goal with his left foot after a swift counter-attack. This goal came after Atlético Madrid had previously showcased their formidable form by defeating Betis 5-0 in their prior match. Meanwhile, Barcelona's path to the semifinals was marked by a more modest victory over Albacete, illustrating the challenging competition each team faced in progressing through the tournament.
Coaches Diego Simeone and Hansi Flick are navigating challenges in their lineups, with key players unavailable for both sides. Simeone will be without Pablo Barrios, a crucial midfield component, and Johnny Cardoso, adding an extra layer of complexity to the tactical battle in the midfield. The second leg of this exciting semifinal is set to take place on March 3 at Camp Nou, promising fans an exhilarating continuation of this fierce rivalry.
