Atletico Madrid travelled to Sevilla on Wednesday in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final holding a 2-1 advantage from the first leg.
Goals from Diego Costa and Radamel Falcao moved the capital outfit into a 4-1 lead on aggregate. However, Jesus Navas handed Sevilla some hope in the latter stages of the first period.
Sevilla had a host of chances in the second period, but a late strike from Ivan Rakitic was not enough to claw their way back into the tie.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Well if this match is half as good as Barcelona against Real Madrid last night, then we will be in for some treat. Atletico have certainly outperformed Sevilla in the league this season, but as we have seen, league form counts for nothing in these particular matches. It is all about this evening. Nothing more, nothing less.
As mentioned, Atletico enter the match having not lost in their last six matches against Sevilla. The league match between the two sides in the capital this season ended in a 4-0 win for the home side, while Atletico also picked up a 1-1 draw the last time they travelled to Seville in March 2012. Any draw this evening would see them progress to the final.
Let’s take a look at how both sides made it to this stage of the competition, starting with Atletico. They were comfortable winners over Real Jaen in the round of 32 before they overcame fellow La Liga outfit Getafe in the next round. Real Betis, who themselves were on a fine run, awaited in the quarter-finals, but Atletico picked up a home win before drawing the second leg.
Sevilla, meanwhile, began their campaign with a two-legged victory over Espanyol, before thumping Real Mallorca to advance to the quarter-finals. Real Zaragoza awaited in the final eight, but they had no trouble in overcoming their fellow La Liga outfit to advance to this stage of the competition. It would be fair to admit that they have had a somewhat favourable path to this stage. Right the team news is just filtering through.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Coke starts for Sevilla in place of Cicinho, while Jesus Navas and Jose Antonio Reyes will provide support to the lone striker Alvaro Negredo. Atletico, meanwhile, pair Radamel Falcao and Diego Costa in attack once more, with Gabi skippering the team from midfield.
TEAMS:
SEVILLA: Beto; Coke, Fazio, Botia, Alberto; Medel, Kondogbia, Rakitic; Navas, Reyes, Negredo
ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Cata, Miranda, Luis; Tiago, Gabi, Garcia, Turan; Costa, Falcao
It has hardly been a season to remember for Sevilla, but their form has been much-improved since the turn of the year. They have won just two of their last five in all competitions, but that included matches against Atletico, Real Madrid and Barcelona. They gave the latter an almighty scare in the Camp Nou at the weekend before losing to a Lionel Messi strike.
They currently sit in 12th position in the table, but they have managed 10 points from their last six league matches, which is just two fewer than Atletico and three fewer than Barcelona. They are not in relegation trouble, but they sit seven points off seventh position which places a European position perhaps out of reach.
It is not difficult to see why they have struggled this season. Their home form has been fairly solid with eight wins, one draw and three defeats from 12 matches, but it has been on the road where they have suffered. They have managed just one win from 13 matches away from Seville, taking just seven points in the process.
Their record in terms of goals scored and goals conceded, meanwhile, is pretty much as expected for a team in midtable. They have scored 34 goals in their 25 league games, while they have conceded 37. Not disastrous numbers by any stretch of the imagination, but their hopes of finishing in the top four this season have certainly evaporated.
Atletico, meanwhile, are enjoying a successful league season. They have won three of their last five matches in all competitions to continue their pursuit of Barcelona. Diego Simeone’s side currently sit second in the La Liga table, four points ahead of third-placed Real Madrid after 25 matches. It would be some achievement if they could finish above their rivals.
I suspect if you had offered Atletico a Champions League position at the beginning of the season then they would certainly have taken it. It would take an almighty collapse for that not to happen, while it could be a stunning season if they were to collect the Copa del Rey crown.
As has been well documented, Atletico have the best home record in La Liga this season. They have won all 13 of their matches at the Vicente Calderon, scoring 34 goals and conceding just six times in the process. Their away form has been less than impressive, however, with five defeats from 12 matches, although they have taken 17 points in the process.
Their numbers are certainly impressive. They have the joint-best defensive record in the division alongside Real Madrid. Meanwhile, they have scored 48 goals down the other end, which is the third-best record in the division. There is no question that if Atletico can add a couple of new players in the summer, then they really could make a challenge for La Liga next season.
Falcao has been stunning this season with 26 goals in 27 matches. However, the capital outfit surely face a fight to keep the Colombian in the summer. Alongside Falcao, Diego Costa has also been one of the shining lights in La Liga. The much-travelled Brazilian is the top scorer in this competition with six goals, which is testament to his performances this season.
There is another forward who has struck six goals in this competition, however. That man is Alvaro Negredo. Sevilla’s star man has scored 16 goals in 26 games for the La Liga outfit this season. It had been speculated that he would leave for the Premier League in January, but his commitment has aided Sevilla’s upturn in form.
Both teams also have a rich history in the Copa del Rey. Sevilla have won the trophy on five separate occasions, with their last success coming in 2010. They have also twice finished as runner-up. Atletico, meanwhile, have won the competition nine times, but their most recent success was back in 1996.
Right, we are just under 10 minutes from kickoff, which can only mean one thing. Time for my pre-match prediction. I cannot imagine there being too many goals this evening, but I do expect Atletico to get the job done. Sevilla are strong on their own patch, but I think Diego Simeone's side can pick up a score draw and advance to the final.
Here we go then. Both sets of players make their way out of the tunnel and onto the pitch. Following the completion of pre-match handshakes and the exchanging of flags, the action will commence. It must be said that the atmosphere is really building inside this wonderful stadium. Let's hope that we get an enthralling evening of football.
Just a reminder of the main team news this evening. Sevilla line up with Reyes and Navas either side of Negredo, but Coke is preferred to Cicinho in defence. Meanwhile, Beto keeps his place between the sticks. Atletico leave Koke and Mario Suarez on the bench, with Tiago, Gabi and Garcia forming a three-man midfield.
Tonight's referee is Fernando Teixeira. In the first leg between these two sides there were three red cards. Let's hope that come the end of the match we are discussing the football and not the referee. Here we go then, the away side get the action underway on this wet evening in Seville.
The rain really is falling over Seville this evening, but that has done nothing to disturb the atmosphere inside the stadium. A reminder that Atletico lead 2-1 from the first leg, but with away goals counting, a 1-0 win for the home side would see them advance. Neither team has really taken control of the possession inside the early stages.
Half-chance for the away side as Turan collects possession before firing a low cross into the box, but Beto collects under pressure from Falcao. Sevilla attempt to launch an attack immediately down the other end, but Gabi is across to quell the danger. Slightly sloppy opening four minutes with the challenges flying in from both sides.
A half-chance does come for the home side as Negredo strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. You just get the feeling that the first goal could be everything this evening. Falcao has a long-range strike down the other end moments later, but it moves over the crossbar.
GOAL! Sevilla 0-1 Atletico (Costa)
Costa is at it again! He has scored his third goal in two games against Sevilla as he collects possession on the edge of the box before firing an effort into the bottom corner. First blood to Atletico in the Estadio Ramon.
The end-to-end period in the match continues as Reyes drives a low cross into the Atletico penalty area, before Miranda heads back to his own goalkeeper down the other end. Two corners follow in quick succession for Sevilla, but neither comes close to opening their tally. Some opening nine minutes to this match.
It is the Atletico supporters that are making most of the noise at the moment with their team in a comfortable position in this tie. Sevilla need to score twice in order to take this into extra time, but I should not imagine it will be that straightforward. That said, it has been a good response from the home side to falling behind.
A reminder that the winner of this tie will face Real Madrid in the final of the competition. Whoever advances, it promises to be an enthralling end to the tournament. Again it's good work from the home side as Reyes cuts down the left before whipping a low cross into the box, but Miranda is on hand to make the clearance, before Negredo's close-range effort is blocked.
First bit of ill-feeling between the two sides as Reyes takes exception to a challenge from Garcia, with the home supporters also joining the debate. It is so important that the referee stays strong this evening. There will be times when it would be easy for him to issue a red card. No sign of a dip in the atmosphere with 15 minutes on the clock.
Again it's good work from Reyes as the winger drives down the right before firing a cross into the box, but Negredo just cannot find a header under pressure from two defenders. You just get the feeling that the home side need to score during this period, because Atletico will come again. All one-way traffic as things stand.
It appears that Tiago could have a slight problem here with the midfielder receiving treatment on his elbow. Mario Suarez is warming up on the sidelines as a precaution. In fairness, it has not been an untidy match thus far, but the challenges are just starting to fly in. There is underlying ill-feeling between these two sides, carried over from the first leg.
Not too much from the away side as an attacking threat at the moment with the capital outfit spending the majority of their time defending their own penalty area. However, there is no need for them to go chasing this match. They can sit in and attack on the counter, which will cause problems for Sevilla as the match advances.
CHANCE! Glorious chance for the home side as Navas finds Medel in the penalty area, but the midfielder can only head wide of the post. Wonderful opportunity for Sevilla to level the scores on the evening. Atletico have got away with one there.
The home side continue to dominate the possession with Kondogbia, Medel and Rakitic seeing plenty of the ball. Another low pass is slipped towards Negredo, but Courtois is out to collect at the vital moment. Not too much to report in terms of clear opportunities, but there is a good tempo to the match.
Atletico are indeed forced into their first change of the match as Mario Suarez replaces Tiago. It does not appear too serious for the Portuguese, but he is unable to continue. The atmosphere inside the stadium remains absolutely electric as the 30-minute mark draws ever closer.
Really is an untidy match at the moment with both sets of players guilty of giving away free kicks in the opposing half. Not that Atletico will mind too much with their lead in the tie. There is just something different about this Atletico team this season. They look capable of going away from home and keeping a clean sheet, even with the absence of Diego Godin this evening.
The likes of Reyes and Navas are just struggling to get into the match with Atletico's three-man midfield closing the space on each occasion. A half-chance comes for the away side as Turan drives down the left before finding Costa, but Fazio is across to make the clearance. The tie could really do with a Sevilla goal.
GOAL! Sevilla 0-2 Atletico Madrid (Falcao)
Well, that could just be game over. Again Costa is involved as the Brazilian fires a low cross into the box, with Falcao on hand to thump his effort into the back of the net. It is a long way back for Sevilla. They need to score four times.
That goal has certainly quietened the home supporters, with the Atletico fans creating the noise as the rain continues to fall in Seville. Decent response from the home side as Navas drives down the left before firing a low cross into the box, but Coke is on hand to clear at the vital moment.
Sevilla force two corners in quick succession, but the first is headed clear by Miranda before Courtois comes a long way to claim the second. You just get the feeling that Sevilla need to score before the half-time interval in order to have any chance of making this into a real contest.
Perhaps not too surprisingly, an altercation has broken out between Costa and Moreno. The Brazilian striker did have his arm raised, but there was nothing in it for me. The referee has done well not to react to that situation. But there are signs that frustration is starting to creep in for the home side.
Decent possession from the home side in the last few minutes with Medel and Negredo enjoying touches of the ball in and around the penalty area, but they just cannot fashion a shooting opportunity with Miranda & Co. defending their lines. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
GOAL! Sevilla 1-2 Atletico Madrid (Navas)
Game on! Sevilla are back in this match as Navas darts into the box before curling his effort into the top corner for his first goal of the season. It is a long way back, but that has given them a slight bit of hope five minutes before the break.
Simeone is almost on the pitch at the moment as he watches every passing moment. I suspect that Atletico would love to have him in their team this evening. The supporters are right back with the home side in the latter stages of this half. Wonderful cup tie in Seville.
CHANCE! It is all one-way traffic at the moment as Navas continues to drive his team forward. The Spaniard is involved once more as he combines with Reyes before finding Rakitic in the box, but the Croatian can only head wide of the post. He just has to score. Incredible miss.
Kondogbia is the first player to have his name taken for a foul on Falcao. The resulting free kick is chipped into the penalty area by Gabi, but the danger is cleared. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates an additional one minute of added time.
HALF-TIME: Sevilla 1-2 Atletico Madrid (2-4 on aggregate)
The referee brings the half to an end with Atletico leading 2-1 on the evening and 4-2 on aggregate. Sevilla have been the better side for large periods of the first period, but clinical finishing from Costa and then Falcao has left Atletico in a strong position.
That strike from Navas, his first of the season, has certainly handed the home side hope, but they need another three goals without replay in order to advance. Scoring three is not entirely out of the question, but you just get the feeling that Atletico will score again on the counter. It will play right into their hands.
Let's take a look at the benches for this evening. The home side have Manu del Moral and Diawara in their squad, but in terms of attacking options, they are quite limited. Atletico, however, have Koke, Adrian Lopez and Cristian Rodriguez all on the bench. Some wealth of talent.
A reminder that the winner of this clash will face Real Madrid in the final of the competition. As it stands, an Madrid derby is on the cards, but Sevilla will still feel that they can mount a response in the second period. Be sure to remain with us for what could be a sensational 45 minutes of football.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. The home side have made a change at the interval with Manu replacing Reyes. A reminder that Atletico have already made one change with Tiago being replaced by Suarez. The home side get the half underway.
Slightly scrappy start to the second period with both teams battling for possession in midfield. It eventually falls for Turan down the right, who drives into the penalty area, but Coke is across to make the challenge. Another Atletico goal and it really is curtains.
Penalty shout for the home side as Negredo is felled by Diaz, but the referee awards the free kick just outside the penalty area. The resulting set piece is worked short to Negredo, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. The home side need more from their star striker in the second period.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Falcao robs possession in midfield before driving into the box, but Moreno is across to make a fine challenge. The young defender has certainly impressed this evening. Another altercation happens between Moreno and Gabi, but the referee waves play on.
CHANCE! Glorious chance for the home side as Manu collects possession outside the box before striking an effort towards goal, but Courtois gets down well to make the save. Atletico advance down the other end with Turan, but the attack is cut short once more by fine defending from Moreno.
CHANCE! Oh my word. Incredible chance for Costa to score his second of the match as Fazio plays a pass straight into his own box, but Costa can only fire wide of the post. That would have been game, set and match. Wow.
The end-to-end period of the match continues as Rakitic comes close with a header at the far post, but he can only fire wide of the target. The pressure remains as Navas fires a low cross into the box, but Miranda is on hand to make the challenge. Sevilla just have to make these chances count.
The chances continue to come as Falcao meets a cross from Costa, but he can only head wide of the target. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals this evening, but it is difficult to see Atletico failing to score, while conceding three times. Just about 30 minutes of football remaining.
Incredible moment in the penalty area as Diez wrestles Negredo to the ground, but the referee waves play on. Defenders really do take chances in those positions. Negredo is involved moments later as he meets a cross from Navas, but somehow he fires wide of the post. He just had to score.
Sevilla continue to utterly dominate possession, with Navas and Negredo looking the most likely, but they just cannot convert their opportunities. Meanwhile, the away side make their second change of the match as Rodriguez replaces Turan. The former will pose all sorts of problems with his pace and movement.
The atmosphere has just dropped inside the stadium in the last few minutes, with the task becoming harder with each passing minute. Another half-chance arrives for the home side as Rakitic collects possession outside the box, but he can only fire wide of the target. You cannot say that they haven't had chances.
Again it's sloppy from the home side as Moreno dives into a challenge with Juanfran, with more minutes passing by. Just a reminder that Sevilla need to score three times in order to book their spot in the final. Three times against the best defence in La Liga. Stranger things have happened.
Sevilla's corner count continues to rise as Navas drives down the right before cutting into the box, but Juanfran is across to make the challenge. Rakitic's corner causes all sorts of problems in the box with Medel rising, but Miranda heads clear under pressure. Just sensational from the Brazilian defender.
Sevilla make their second change of the match as Botia is replaced by Cicinho. That could mean the home side reverting to a back three, which should leave space for Falcao and Costa to exploit. It could go one of two ways. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining in Seville.
Sevilla continue to pass and probe outside the penalty area, but Atletico have eight players behind the ball, with the home side finding it difficult to find that elusive ball. Meanwhile, the away side make their third and final change of the match as Garcia is replaced by Koke.
Simeone is not happy with a couple of challenges that his team are taking at the moment, with the referee having a word with the Argentine. There has been some real ill-feeling in the second period as Costa is chopped down by Fazio. You cannot say that Sevilla have not had chances to turn this around.
RED CARD! The home side are reduced to 10 men as Medel picks up a second yellow for a challenge on Costa. Negredo has done his teammate a real favour there, with the midfielder attempting to argue with the referee. Unsavoury scenes as the Chilean leaves the field. The chair took the brunt of it.
It really is an untidy match at the moment as both sides dive into dangerous challenges. Rakitic is the last Sevilla player to have his name taken for a foul on Koke. This is where Spanish sides let themselves down. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining and Atletico are heading for the final.
Not a lot of football being played at the moment with both sides guilty of sloppiness in possession. Sevilla have targeted Costa at the moment, with the Brazilian taking the brunt of the challenges. Not that the Atletico supporters mind as they continue to raise the atmosphere inside the stadium. They will face Real Madrid in the final.
I have a feeling that the end of this match will be very feisty, with both sets of players getting involved in various altercations. I would be amazed if there was not another red card in the latter stages. Atletico almost score their third as Costa drives into the box, but he can only fire his effort wide of the goal.
Another half-chance for the away side as Koke drives into the penalty area before shaping an effort towards the bottom corner, but Beto is on hand to make the save. The home side advance down the other end with Negredo, but Diaz is across to make a fine challenge.
In fairness to the home supporters they have really backed their team this evening. This match has gone, but their performance will aid their hopes of making a strong end to the league season. Another half-chance comes to the home side as Rakitic fires a low cross into the box, but there are no takers once more.
Another half-chance for the home side as Kondogbia strikes an effort from outside the box, but Courtois on hand to make a fine save. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of stoppage time.
GOAL! Sevilla 2-2 Atletico Madrid (Rakitic)
Sevilla have another goal back as Rakitic fires an effort into the bottom corner. But it is a case of too little too late. They need another two goals in the remaining minute. Not going to happen.
RED CARD! The home side are reduced to nine men as Kondogbia kicks out at Costa. That is their ninth red card of the season. Very poor from the Frenchman.
FULL-TIME: Sevilla 2-2 Atletico Madrid (3-4 on aggregate)
Untidy end to the match, but Atletico do advance to the final, where they will play Real Madrid, courtesy of a 4-3 aggregate win. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us at the weekend for more Spanish football. Until then!
