Simeone’s team was eliminated from the Spanish Cup. But the most exciting thing happened in the stands.
Kirill Zakatchenko March 1, 2024, 02:00 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
Atlético lost again to Athletic, this time with a great score.
Atlético was ignominiously eliminated from the Spanish Cup. The second leg in Bilbao turned out to be as unfortunate as possible for the Madrid club.
In the previous phase of the Copa del Rey, Athletic eliminated Barcelona (4-2) and then achieved victory in the first semifinal against Atlético (1-0). In the second leg, Ernesto Valverde’s team only needed not to lose to secure a place in the final. By the way, the Bilbao club has not won the tournament since 1984.
The first half can be described like this: Williams Brothers – Atlético – 2:0. Before the break, the locals had two shots on goal, both scoring goals. In the 13th minute, Nico Williams cut off a pass to Iñaki, who fired with the outside of his foot into the near corner. Goalkeeper Jan Oblak did not help and Atlético’s task became significantly complicated. Suffice it to remember that Athletic only lost once at home this season, but it was in August 2023.
Video rights belong to National Sports Channel LLC. You can watch the video on the Match TV page on VKontakte.
At the end of the first half, the brothers switched roles. This time Iñaki assisted and Niko finished off a cross from the goal line. In fact, the locals finished off the remaining intrigue in only half. Atlético, for its part, did not create anything interesting against Julen Ahirresabala’s goal. It was seen that the guests had a serious conversation with the coach during the break.
Video rights belong to National Sports Channel LLC. You can watch the video on the Match TV page on VKontakte.
The start of the second half was delayed by about 15 minutes, some fans in the stands became ill and the referee did not restart the match until receiving the all clear from the doctors. For about a couple of weeks, a similar story occurred in Athletic’s home match against Girona in the Spanish Championship. But then the doctors solved it much faster.
In the 61st minute, Atlético settled for 0-3. Oblak took advantage of Oyan Sunset’s shot, but Gorka Guruset was the first to finish. After this, even the most devoted fans of the Madrid club no longer expected anything. At that time, Atlético had the ball less than 50% of the playing time, but was successful more frequently than the rival (five shots compared to three).
Video rights belong to National Sports Channel LLC. You can watch the video on the Match TV page on VKontakte.
In the end, the goalkeeper saved Athletic a couple of times, but in general the home team calmly maintained the winning result. Valverde’s team is one step away from winning the trophy: the Bilbao club will face Mallorca in the Cup final. By the way, Atlético and Atlético have a battle ahead in the Spanish Championship for a place in the Champions League . Now Simeone’s gang is three points ahead of its rival, but there are still 12 rounds ahead. Meanwhile, Atlético suffered its second major defeat (with a difference of three goals) of the season: the first was in September 2023. Then the Madrid club “burned” on the road to Valencia (0-3).
How Mallorca reached the final of the Copa del Rey:
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