Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys offered fans a spectacular Copa del Rey semifinal display. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid ended in a 4-4 Spanish Cup draw for the first leg. Both sides show what they can look like at their best. Conversely, sloppy play also illustrated weaknesses opponents can take advantage of at any time.
The game was a spectacular back-and-forth affair. More importantly, the matchup gave fans an exciting second matchup to look forward to. Either manager has something positive they could point to. However, at this level, those men are more likely to be upset with costly mistakes. Errors cost both teams a potential win. It always takes brilliance and skill to capitalize on these. And onlookers witnessed plenty of incredible moments.
General Flow of Copa del Rey Semi-final
Typically, the side with the most chances deserves the result. Dominating possession can make this especially true and often goes hand in hand with it. Certain matches, like this first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal, can prove an exception to this.
Atletico started on the front foot. Diego Simeone‘s side took advantage of their early chances. This provided a two-goal Spanish Cup cushion within ten minutes. The first goal, in particular, was a beautiful piece of magic.
Julián Álvarez showed great awareness and athletic ability. Antoine Griezmann’s cross ended in the back of the net off an Atletico Madrid deflection. This resulted in the first of what would be eight goals. The Argentine soared through the air to put his effort on target. Wojciech Szczesny didn’t stand a chance, just as he didn’t on the ensuing score.
But the hosts seized control of the match after that. This will happen. Especially with quality sides, they can seemingly flip a switch. And first-half setbacks can serve as a wake-up call. This proved to be the case here as the Catalan side took over the Spanish Cup.
Potential Large Victory Looked Most Likely
In truth, Hansi Flick’s side was unfortunate not to have scored six-plus goals during the Copa del Rey semifinal match. Juan Musso and his Atletico Madrid defence faced wave after wave. Barcelona can not only control the ball for long portions of gameplay, but they also ensure that the other side can never be comfortable.
Between the high line and press, opponents often struggle to gain any traction within a match. Yes, two of the goals came off of set pieces. But it’s important to note that corners are usually an indication of control. This is especially true, seeing as the ball will usually need to be possessed deep in an opponent’s half.
Furthermore, executing from them is a sign of good coaching and determination. It’s often the player who simply wants it more that wins out in free-kick or corner situations. The Iñigo Martínez, in particular, illustrates this point. His ability to find himself all alone in the penalty area left Musso with zero hope of stopping the free header.
Barcelona earned the advantage for the middle 70 minutes of the game. Ferran Torres, in truth, needed to convert his chances. Doing so would have put the game out of reach for Atletico Madrid.
Draw Fair Result in Copa del Rey Semifinal
Instead, the visitors found a way. They scrapped and clawed for a well-earned tie. They needed to play off the counter. When Simeone’s group did, they looked as lethal as any club in Europe. Marcos Llorente got one back with a lovely strike. Additionally, Alexander Sørloth completed the second in-match comeback after beating the Barcelona offside trap.
Most of the Copa del Rey semifinal was dictated by the home team, Barcelona. Unfortunately for their fanbase, the action-filled game allowed just enough room for neither side to leave with a win. April 2 will determine the advancing Spanish Cup team. Furthermore, football spectators will hope for another spectacular performance.
