Barcelona Topples Against Atletico in the Spanish Super Cup Semifinals

DBasia.news –  The Spanish Super Cup semifinal match at King Abdullah Sport City, Saudi Arabia was steaming. The meeting between Barcelona against Atletico Madrid with a final score of 3-2 for Atletico’s victory. The duel was also colored by a small commotion.

The game went excitingly. Barcelona, ​​as usual, dominated possessions and Atletico closed in the defense and aimed for a counter-attack. Barca dominated 73 percent possessions of the ball compared to 27 percent of Atletico.

However, Atletico played efficiently with a six-shot attempt and all were on target. The three goals were scored by Koke (46 ‘), Alvaro Morata (81’ penalty), and Angel Correa (86 ‘).

While from 16 Barcelona kick attempts, nine were on target, only two of which resulted in goals when Lionel Messi (51 ‘) and former Atletico Madrid striker, Antoine Griezmann, scored (62’).

There was an interesting event when the first round ended. Six Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi, was involved in an altercation with the 20 year old player worth 126 million euros, Joao Felix. It all started with Jordi Alba who poked Felix’s cheek after a duel for the ball and Felix brushed off his hand.

Upset with his attitude, Messi approached the player and Felix was not afraid of the Argentine superstar and served him up. As a result, the two teams approached him and heated the atmosphere which leaded to a brawl between Luis Suarez and Stefan Savic.

The match referee, Jose Luis Gonzales, gave a yellow card warning to Luis Suarez and Stefan Savic. Ernesto Valverde, Barcelona coach, saw the inconsistency of his team’s play in the second half until Atletico could score a goal and win the match.

“The match was intense and I think we are developing. In the first 10 or 12 minutes they were better, but I think we should be able to take the lead before the break of the first half,” Valverde said, as quoted by Marca.

“The goal that was created (Atletico) surprised us. It looks like we mastered the match and they reversed it in the two (the last match),” continued the former Athletic Club Bilbao coach.

These results ensure the Spanish Super Cup final this season to bring together two rivals of the city of Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, at King Abdullah Sports City, Monday (01/13) 1:00 am WIB.

Line-up:

Barcelona (4-3-3): Net; Sergi Roberto, Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti, Jordi Alba; Arturo Vidal, Sergio Busquets (Ivan Rakitic 86 ‘), Frenkie de Jong (Ansu Fati 88’); Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann.

Coach: Ernesto Valverde.

Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Jan Oblak; Kieran Trippier, Stefan Savic, Felipe, Renan Lodi (Vitolo 67 ‘); Angel Correa, Hector Herrera (Koke ​​46 ‘- Marcos Llorente 72’), Thomas Partey, Saul Niguez; Joao Felix, Alvaro Morata.

Coach: Diego Simeone.