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
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
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 2-3 Atletico Madrid
90+2: Messi is searching for one final moment of brilliance in this game, in fact he's been very quiet for large parts of this, and weaves his way past a number of challenges before crossing over everyone in the area and behind for a goal kick.
Barcelona 2-3 Atletico Madrid
90+3: Messi clips in a cross from deep and Pique heads just over.
Simeone is looking like a man possessed down there.
Barcelona 2-3 Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid relied on late goals and some sloppy Barcelona defending to book their place in Sunday's final with city rivals Real Madrid, not that they will mind.
Barcelona were leading until 10 minutes from full time when Alvaro Morata converted from the spot and the game was won when Angel Correa's saved effort made it over the line with precious few minutes for Ernesto Valverde's side to turn things around.
After a forgettable first half that lacked action, Koke marked his introduction after the break with a goal just seconds after coming on.
This sparked Barcelona into life and Messi and Griezmann quickly had the LaLiga champions ahead before the late drama unfolded.
Right, how's everyone's Spanish Super Cup fever?
We'll be back on Sunday to bring you all the action from the final as Atletico Madrid face Real Madrid. It's interesting to note that these are the two teams that would not normally feature in the Spanish Super Cup, given they didn't win the league or Copa del Rey.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments