The semi-final of the Spanish Cup was expected to be a big clash, but what happened at the Metropolitano shattered many of the scenarios. Atletico beat Barcelona 4-0 at home - most impressively, all the goals were scored in the first half.
Barca were dealt a blow early in the game: Eric Garcia scored an own goal in the 6th minute. This own goal also turned the game's momentum in Atletico's favor. The hosts immediately increased the pressure, trying to keep Barcelona "immobile" in defense until the break.
In the 14th minute, Antoine Griezmann showed his "class" and made the score 2:0. Atletico's actions yesterday were very clear: high pace, intense pressing, cool decisions in attack. In the 33rd minute, Lukman put the ball in the net - 3:0. In the minutes of added time in the first half, Alvarez scored the fourth goal, officially turning this night into a nightmare for Barca - 4:0.
In the second half, Barcelona tried to pull themselves together, there were even substitutions. But the blow in the first half was so strong that the general mood of the game did not change. Moreover, in the 86th minute, Eric Garcia received a red card - this was another sore point for the Catalans before the return match.
Spanish Cup
Semifinal. The first game
Atletico - Barcelona 4:0
February 12, "Metropolitano"
Goals: E. Garcia (6, own goal), Griezmann (14), Lukman (33), Alvarez (45+2).
Atlético - Musso, Molina, Pubill, Hantsko, Ruggeri, Simeone, Lorente, Koke (Le Norman, 90+1), Lukman (Almada, 73), Griezmann (Baena, 68), Alvarez (Sorlot, 68).
Barcelona - X. Garcia, Cunde, Kubarsi (Arauxo, 77), E. Garcia, Balde (Cancelo, 77), Casado (Lewandowski, 37), De Jong, Fermin (Martin, 88), Yamal, Olmo, Torres.
Bookings: Casado (26), Simeone (50), Llorente (51), Baena (79), Olmo (87), Pubil (87), Fermin (87), Ruggeri (90+8).
Red card: E. Garcia (86).
Thus, Atletico are one step away from the final, while Barcelona will now have to look for a miracle in the return match in Catalonia on March 3. 0:4 is not an ordinary defeat, it is a score that will force them to rewrite the entire plan.
One thing is certain: this match is not over yet. Barca may play differently at home, but Atletico will not like to give up such an advantage. On March 3, there will be a real battle of nerves in Catalonia.
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