Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona played a classic of the Copa del Rey for the ages of Tuesday with the first stage semifinal that ended 4-4. But the second half was up to the billing with Alexander Soloroth rescuing the tie in the 93 -game minute. The match was a roller coaster with Atlético de Madrid in two goals just six minutes in the game before allowing four goals without a response from Barcelona and then scoring two more goals for the final result.
A Raphinha assistance device along with goals from each of the backs of the center of Barcelona was matched by the goal and assistance of Julan Álvarez when the stars came to work, but the defenses did not. Since the late equalizer before the second stage was in Madrid on April 2, Atleti could give Barcelona a mental blow during what has been a strong season for Hansi Flick’s men.
The Ala del Atlético de Madrid supports Giuliano Simeone and Javi Galan could not do anything to stop Barcelona. When Flick’s attack has been able to enter full flow, they have been among the best in the world and much of that is reduced to the form of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Diego Simeone countered with his best options they brought to Nahuel Molina, Soloroth and Angel Correa to cause the return that continues to press the right buttons, even when his defense has not been at his best. This has been part of Atleti’s evolution this season, pushing them closer to the top of the League with Barcelona and the last 16 champions League game.
Raphinha Gold Ball
The appearance of Assistance from Raphinha sees it following the rhythm of Mohamed Salah in the Ballon d’Or race. The Brazilian now has 24 goals and 18 assists in all competitions, while Salah has 30 goals and 21 assists in all competitions. While Salah has a significant advantage in the statistics count, the couple is in an intensive course in the Champions League game, which could be what determines things.
Like Salah, when Barcelona is down, they can count on Raphinha to return to the games and the wing support Giuliano Simeone and Javi Galan, they could not do anything to stop Barcelona. When Hansi Flick’s attack has been able to enter full flow, they have been among the best in the world and much of that is reduced to the form of Yamal and Raphinha. As the games become more difficult, it will be needed even more from the duo, since this game is one of the many that shows that the defense of Barcelona will not be what takes them this season.
Defense
Barcelona has lived and dead for its height this season, but Wojciech Szczesny has not been good enough on the network since the injured Marc Andre Ter Stegen assumed. This has not been a problem when they face smaller teams in the league or the sides that cannot be kept up to date with the attack in Barcelona, but it is an important one when they face Atleti caliber equipment.
Simeone’s men were able to take advantage of all that on their return, which will make a quite a section in Madrid. His defense was not up to it, but with six strikers available that can separate a team, it has not been a big problem. A large part of that is due to add Álvarez during an agitated summer of expenses to refresh the side.
What follows?
Both teams will return to the league play next weekend, but one eye will be in the Champions League that will return next week. Barcelona will travel to face Benfica on March 5, while Atlético de Madrid has a Derby from Madrid vs. Real Madrid on March 4. Depending on how these 16 draws go, the second APA match of the Copa del Rey could mean much more for one of these teams than the other.
