After the qualification in the final acquired by Real Madrid against FC Barcelona for their 100th victory in the history of the Clasico, the other semi-final of the Spanish Supercup pitted Atlético de Madrid against Athletic Club at King Fahd International Stadium, which hosted the first meeting of the last four on Wednesday. The Colchoneros had started well this new calendar year with 2 wins and 1 draw in all competitions, including a great success at home against Rayo Vallecano in the league (2-0). The Basques had the same record as their evening opponent and wanted to confirm their recent good streak on neutral ground.
And from the first minute of the meeting, the Madrid striker Joao Felix could surprise Marcelino’s men but the Portuguese saw his goal refused for a logical offside (1st), before alerting Unai Simon a few moments later (3rd ). Iñaki Williams finally sounded the Basque revolt but lost his one against one against Jan Oblak (11th). In an increasingly disputed match, the Diego Simeone players were more and more dangerous, especially through Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco (21st) but were close to being trapped by the loss of ball from Geoffrey Kondogbia and the failed attempt by Dani Garcia (28th). But at the break, the two teams left with a goalless draw.
Finally goals in the second half
Back from the locker room, the Basques were more interesting in the game to try to disturb the opposing defense, but it was the Colchoneros who opened the scoring this time on a set piece. French attacking midfielder Thomas Lemar gave a good corner kick at the far post for Joao Felix, who recovered well with a header. His little powerful but precise helmet shot found the post before entering the goal thanks to the back of an unhappy Unai Simon (1-0, 62nd). On Atleti’s moment of hesitation, Iñigo Martinez slammed a head directly on Oblak, who managed to leave the ball just in front of his line and save his family (65th).
However, the Athletic Club had resources and showed it in the last half hour: first through Yeray Alvarez, whose header at the near post put the two teams tied (1-1, 77th). Then the little brother Williams, Nico, entered in the 70th, deceived the goalkeeper Rojiblanco in the last ten minutes, congratulated by all his teammates (2-1, 81st). The nightmare continued in added time: Gimenez let his sole trail over Iñigo Martinez’s face. First warned of a yellow by the referee, the VAR changed his mind, who finally sent the red to the Uruguayan. Final score 2 goals to 1 for Athletic in Saudi Arabia, who will have the opportunity to defend their title against Real Madrid next Sunday.
