Atlético de Madrid set out to take control in Barcelona and, led by a great Julián Alvarez, struck first at Montjuïc. The Argentine player took advantage of a rebound from Szczęsny to aim and score the 0-1 with which Atleti surprises in the culé field. No one expected Simeone's team to come out commanding and even less to take the lead on the scoreboard in the first minute of the match.
The spider reached 20 goals with the colchonera jersey and his fifth goal in the Copa del Rey, in his first season as an Atlético de Madrid player. The star signing appears at the most important moment and in the first big date marked in red on the colchoneros' calendar. The one from Calchín is in one of the most important moments of the season, after accumulating 4 goals in the last four matches.
The culé fans seemed down with the 0-2 where the spider participated and Antoine Griezmann at ease, beats Szczęsny, but it was an illusion. Because after the 0-2, although Julián controlled the attacks, they disappeared completely and it was Barça who revived in the match. First reaching 1-2 with a great cross from Koundé that Pedri sends to the back of the net, which awakened Barcelona.
Barrios Loses the Mark
Immediately after came the equalizer, a corner kick taken by Raphinha and Pau Cubarsí who anticipated Barrios to nail the 2-2. The colchoneros were knocked out by the locals and disappeared in attack, despite pressing very high to recover quickly. Julián forced a foul in the 31st minute that Hernández Hernández dismissed as a card, despite the protests.
The match turned into a back-and-forth where Barça always commanded, taking advantage of Simeone's team's nervousness. The culé goal blurred the high pressure of the Madrid team, being very dominated by the Barcelonans, who seemed much closer to the third than the rojiblancos. Julián asked his team for calm, Atlético de Madrid's game plan went up in smoke.
His Best Figure in Europe
Some isolated approach, but Szczęsny watched the match with great tranquility, despite the initial shocks. Julián Alvarez launched the counterattacks at the speed of Giuliano and Marcos Llorente, well covered by Hansi Flick's team. The spider struck, and reached 20 goals, his best goal mark in Europe, despite his team going into halftime trailing 3-2.