The cup semi-final between Atlético and Athletic takes color for the lions. Athletic, even without Nico Williams, who was not included in the squad, was able to win this Wednesday night at the Metropolitano, an impregnable stadium in the League. Valverde's team was faithful to his style, a team of football in which he attacks and defends with many people and is able to maintain the 90 minutes at a high pace. A penalty goal and strong defense were enough for him.
Simeone did not reserve anything and brought out his gala eleven, with the only novelty being a change in the lead. Memphis Depay was Griezmann's companion instead of Morata, a reward for the Dutchman's good playing time.
Atlético took command from the beginning. Already in the fourth minute Agirrezabala, the Cup goalkeeper, had to put in a good hand to prevent the goal from a De Paul cross. Simeone's men sought to do harm, especially because of Lino's detention by his gang. However, after another chance from Griezmann, Athletic would score with a very clear penalty committed in the 22nd minute by Reinildo, who threw himself to the ground and with both feet in front knocked down Beñat Prados. Berenguer launched it and deceived Oblak,
The goal encouraged Atlético who went for the tie. He was able to score Memphis in the 35th minute after an error by Agirrezabala, who missed the ball when blocking it, but the shot into an empty goal was cleared by an attentive Paredes.
It could have been even worse for Atlético before the break because Berenguer almost scored a double in added time, which Oblak avoided with a great dive.
The second half began with a change in Atlético. Simeone left out Reinildo, the author of the penalty and with a card, for Mario Hermoso, more common in this season's lineups.
Lino was able to tie in the 51st minute, but his shot went slightly wide. At the hour mark, Simeone gave the team another twist and Morata came on for Depay and Llorente, the Colchonero hero of Sunday's derby, for Nahuel Molina. Valverde's reaction was to take out Ander Herrera to support the center of the field a little more.
The match was clearly for Atlético without being able to get careless at the back because Athletic attacked the free spaces very well. After a shot by Unai Gómez that Oblak did not save well, Villalibre had a goal, but he crashed the ball into the side.
The end of the game seemed very long for Athletic. Griezmann, unsuccessful all night, missed a one-on-one against the Basque goalkeeper. Then Lekue took a ball from Correa over the line and it was the tie.
The controversy already arrived in the addition. Hernández Hernández gave a penalty for Yeray's knockdown of Morata. When Griezman was going to take it, they notified the Canarian referee from the VAR and the maximum penalty for offside by Morata was annulled. The Madrid native would still have a header to tie. Atlético had not lost in their stadium for more than a year.
The 0-1 leaves a Basque final close because Real Sociedad tied in the other semifinal in Mallorca. Athletic and Real Sociedad already played the final in 2021, corresponding to the previous year, that of the coronavirus. Then Real won (1-0). Athletic has not won the Copa del Rey since 1984.
