Atletico Madrid beat Barcelona to set up Spanish Super Cup final clash with rivals Real Madrid
Barcelona 2-3 Atletico Madrid: Late goals helped Diego Simeone's side come from behind to book a place in Sunday's final
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Atletico Madrid pulled off a stunning turnaround to beat Barcelona 3-2 in an enthralling Spanish Super Cup tie in Saudi Arabia and book their place in the final of the revamped competition where they will face Real Madrid.
Argentine forward Angel Correa struck the decisive goal in the 86th minute to complete an unlikely late comeback for Atletico after Barca had dominated the second half and had two goals ruled out following VAR reviews.
Substitute Koke had put Atletico in front at the start of the second half but Lionel Messi levelled in the 51st minute. Messi soon put the ball in the net again but his second effort was ruled out for handball following a VAR review.
Former Atletico striker Griezmann did put Barca in front in the 65th while Gerard Pique thought he had extended their lead moments later but that goal was also ruled out after a VAR review, this time for a fractional offside against Arturo Vidal.
Atleti had spent most of the second half trying to stop waves of Barca attacks but got a lifeline when substitute Vitolo was tripped by goalkeeper Neto and striker Alvaro Morata equalised from the penalty spot in the 81st minute. Stand-in keeper Neto was also at fault for the winning goal, failing to properly block Correa's shot which bounced into the net to cap an incredible match. (Reuters)
Re-live the action in the blog below:
Barcelona 0-0 Atletico Madrid
39: Boos ring around the stadium as Ernesto Valverde's face is shown on the screen...
Barcelona 0-0 Atletico Madrid
39: Barcelona have their best chance of the game and once again Oblak stands firm.
Suarez finds Griezmann on the left in space, the Frenchman travels into the box and fires a shot straight at the goalkeeper.
You sense a Barcelona goal is on its way.
Barcelona 0-0 Atletico Madrid
Right then, er... what happened?
There was a lot of fouls, many bits of poor play and one or two decent chances for Barcelona.
Although, it's getting very rowdy now as the players go into the dressing rooms. Looks like Savic and Suarez are booked for arguing after the referee brought the first half to an end.
Barcelona 0-0 Atletico Madrid
Barcelona have had much the better chances are may be a touch disappointed to not be leading at the break. Griezmann, Messi and Suarez have all looked lively, but Oklak has been equal to everything thrown his way.
Barcelona 0-0 Atletico Madrid
The players are just about to make their way back onto the pitch for the second half. We go to extra time and possibly penalties if there is no winner after 90 minutes.
Barcelona 0-0 Atletico Madrid
Atletico are going to make a change, it's Koke coming on for Herrera.
Barcelona 0-0 Atletico Madrid
46: We're off. Let's have a winner please.
Barcelona 0-1 Atletico Madrid
How about that for an impact sub! Koke scores seconds after coming on at the break.
Atletico Madrid force their way through the centre of the pitch and Correra finds Koke in so much space. Koke has company, but makes no mistake with a simple finish to open the scoring.
Barcelona 0-1 Atletico Madrid
48: There's a couple of whispers that Valverde might find himself further up a certain creek if Barcelona don't return to Catalunya with the trophy. His side's lapse in concentration right after the restart will not sit well with him.
Barcelona 0-1 Atletico Madrid
An inspired change by Someone.
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