Atlético de Madrid secured a draw (4-4) at Montjuïc against Barcelona in a crazy match that left the tie open for the return leg at the Metropolitano. After the match, Gonzalo Miró analyzed what happened on El Partidazo de COPE and highlighted one of the keys that marked the outcome of the clash.
The Key for Gonzalo Miró: "It Was Impossible for Barcelona to Maintain That Pace"
The start of the match was a real whirlwind. Atlético de Madrid surprised with a 0-2 in just six minutes thanks to goals from Julián Álvarez and Griezmann. However, Barcelona reacted with a quick comeback before halftime. Pedri, Cubarsí, and Íñigo Martínez made it 3-2 after a first half of very high level.
For Gonzalo Miró, this frenetic pace of Barcelona was not sustainable. "I think Barça had a spectacular first half. Pressing high in recovery, with the pace they had, there was a moment when I thought: it's impossible to maintain it for 90 minutes. It was an avalanche."
Atlético Took Advantage of Barça's Physical Drop
Xavi's team reduced the intensity in the second half, and Simeone read it perfectly. With the entry of Correa, Sorloth, and Lino, Atlético gained freshness in attack and managed to come back from a 4-2 deficit with goals from Llorente (min 84') and Sorloth (min 93').
Miró highlighted how Barcelona's physical drop allowed the red-and-whites to equalize the score. "Barcelona noticed it in the second half. Simeone took advantage to make the changes, and Atlético de Madrid was able to step forward."
Everything to Decide at the Metropolitano
With this 4-4, the Copa del Rey semifinal remains open for the return leg on April 3 at the Metropolitano. There, Atlético de Madrid will seek to secure their place in the final with the support of their fans, while Barcelona will try to hold on in a challenging setting.
What is certain is that, after what was seen at Montjuïc, the return promises another duel of maximum intensity. Simeone's team will have the advantage of their fans, but they will face one of the best teams in all of Europe.