Atletico Madrid outlasted Barcelona in a thrilling Spanish Super Cup semifinal on Thursday, the Blaugranas defence a second half shambles.
All five goals came in the second half of a 3-2 decision, Atleti earning a spot opposite Real Madrid in Sunday afternoon’s final.
Real routed Valencia in the other semifinal.
Atleti is looking for its first Supercup since 2014, while Real won its 10th in 2017. Only Barcelona (13) has won more.
Koke had given Atleti the shot at a Madrid Derby final, but Barca answered well.
Former Atleti man Antoine Griezmann headed in a rebound after Lionel Messi supplied the equalizer with a quick-witted shot in traffic.
Four defenders in front of him. Messi still scores. (via @ESPNFC)
The Supercopa semifinal continues: https://t.co/Zm4oHvOjGc pic.twitter.com/GrIQYi7QTX
— ESPN (@espn) January 9, 2020
Gerard Pique tapped in a would-be third goal after Messi teamed up with Arturo Vidal for a clever free-kick routine, but VAR overturned the call.
Atleti then won a penalty on a reckless challenge from Barca goalkeeper Neto, and Morata converted the chance. The Madrid side looked to have a second penalty in three minutes when Morata’s cross appeared to strike the hand of Pique, but VAR did not see a conclusive error.
Barca’s defence remained wide open, however, and Angel Correa raced past the backline and powered a shot through Neto’s hands to make it 3-2 in the 86th.
Messi now has 16 goals and nine assists in 20 matches this season. He has 13 goals and five assists in 18 Super Cup matches.
Atlético score two goals in the final 10 minutes to stun Barcelona! 😱 pic.twitter.com/IxJecYzvO6
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 9, 2020
(Source: soccer.nbcsports.com)
