Atletico Madrid welcomed Barcelona to the Vicente Calderon on Wednesday for the second leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final.
Barca entered the match as the slight favourites to advance following a 1-0 win in the first leg, which took place at the Camp Nou last week.
Atletico cancelled out that lead inside one minute when Fernando Torres found the bottom corner, but Barcelona equalised on the night through Neymar eight minutes later.
Atletico regained the lead after 30 minutes when Raul Garcia scored from the penalty spot, but once again, Barca responded, with Miranda turning into his own net for 2-2 after 38 minutes.
The first-half scoring was not over, with Neymar adding his second after 42 minutes to leave Barca 4-2 ahead in the tie.
At the interval, Atletico's skipper Gabi was sent off, leaving the home side with 10 men in the second period.
In truth, the second 45 minutes brought few chances for either side, but Atletico finished the match with nine men following a late red card for Mario Suarez.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Copa del Rey coverage continues from the Vicente Calderon as Atletico Madrid welcome Barcelona for the second leg of their quarter-final clash. Barca hold a 1-0 lead from the first leg last week, but Atletico will be confident of turning this one around on their own patch.
Without further ado, let me bring you the all-important team news.
TEAMS
ATLETICO: Oblak; Juanfran, Miranda, Gimenez, Siqueira; Gabi, Suarez, Garcia; Turan, Torres, Griezmann
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Suarez, Neymar, Messi
So there we have it. Diego Godin is suspended for Atletico and as a result, Jose Gimenez starts at centre-back alongside Miranda. Jan Oblak also comes into the team in place of first-choice goalkeeper Miguel Moya, while Raul Garcia starts in place of Koke, who is not in the match-day squad this evening.
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique, meanwhile, has recalled Luis Suarez to his front-line. The Uruguay international will continue his relationship with Lionel Messi and Neymar, meaning that Pedro has dropped to the bench. Marc-Andre ter Stegen also comes in for Claudio Bravo between the sticks.
© AFP
As touched upon, the first leg of this contest took place just last week at the Camp Nou. As expected, it was an extremely tight affair, but Barca emerged 1-0 winners following a late strike from Messi. The Argentine actually had his initial penalty saved by Oblak, but he was on hand to tap home from close range. As such, it is advantage Barca, but it is the narrowest of margins at this stage.
In terms of both sides' progression to this stage of the competition, Barcelona have overcome Huesca and Elche to reach the quarter-finals. Atletico, meanwhile, overcame L'Hospitalet in their first cup match of this season, before beating Real Madrid last time out. Atletico have had it a little tougher thus far!
Last season, Atletico and Barca met on six occasions across three separate competitions and neither side suffered a defeat. Barca won the Spanish Super Cup on away goals at the start of the campaign, while Atletico eliminated the Catalan outfit in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on away goals. Both league matches, meanwhile, finished in draws – the latter of which won Atletico the title.
However, the two sides have already met twice this season and Barca have come out on top on both occasions. As mentioned, Luis Enrique's side won the first leg 1-0, but they also beat Atletico 3-1 in the league earlier this month. It was just about as well as Barca have played for some time and for once, Atletico could not repel the threat of Messi & Co in what was a super, super match.
Barca have a rich history in the Copa del Rey having won the competition on 26 occasions, but they have not lifted the trophy since 2012. They reached the final last season, but were beaten by Real Madrid. Atletico, meanwhile, have won the competition 10 times, the last of which was in 2013.
Atletico, meanwhile, will enter this match off the back of a 3-1 win over Rayo Vallecano in the league at the weekend. That victory moved the defending champions onto 44 points for the season, but they are four points behind the leaders Real Madrid, who also have a game in hand. It is going to be a tough ask for Diego Simeone's side to retain the title, with Barca also very much in the mix.
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That said, Atleti are just three points behind Barca, on the same number of matches. Simeone's side travel to Eibar this weekend, before welcoming Real Madrid on February 7. Success in the Madrid derby would go some way to suggesting that they can catch the top two in the second half of the campaign.
In terms of the league, Atletico have been strong on their own patch – winning nine of their 11 matches and conceding just nine times in the process. Their form at the Calderon has been a large part of their success over the last couple of seasons and that will surely have to remain the case if they wish to enjoy another successful campaign. The atmosphere is really starting to build here it must be said.
Barcelona, meanwhile, will enter tonight's match off the back of a 6-0 win over Elche at the weekend. In truth, it was a walk in the park for the Catalan outfit. Messi and Neymar both hit braces, while Gerard Pique and Pedro also got in on the act. It was the type of performance that just was not there in the first few months of the season. It has just started to click at the right time for Enrique's side.
As discussed, the Elche result left Barca second, just one point behind the leaders Real Madrid. The Catalan outfit welcome Villarreal on Sunday and only three points will do. They will find it difficult against the Yellow Submarine, however, who are unbeaten in their last 17 games in all competitions.
Incredibly, since losing to Real Sociedad in their first match after the winter break, Barca have won each of their six matches – scoring 23 times in the process and conceding just once. Barca's defence has long been criticised, but they have only conceded just nine times in their 20 league games this season, which is comfortably the best record in the division - a very surprising statistic indeed.
Barca are also catching Real Madrid in the goals scored column. Free-flowing Real have netted an incredible 64 times in their 19 league games, but Barca are not too far behind with 54. Atletico's defensive record in the league, meanwhile, is just the fifth-best, which is a big surprise at this stage.
Just a reminder that the winner of this tie will face either Getafe or Villarreal in the semi-finals. Those two sides meet tomorrow, with Villarreal holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg. Without writing off Getafe, the prospect of Villarreal against either Barca or Atletico in the final four is very exciting indeed.
¡Ya preparados para ofreceros este apasionante Atlético-Barça! Síguelo al minuto: http://t.co/OxPSrlipRL (by @xortu) pic.twitter.com/s1Gb4Hg44o
— Diario SPORT (@sport) January 28, 2015
PREDICTION! Just a reminder that Barca lead the tie 1-0 from the first leg last week and therefore an away goal would place the Catalan outfit in a strong position. I am finding it difficult to predict Atletico keeping a clean sheet without their best defender Godin and therefore it is vital that the hosts open the scoring. I think both teams will score at the Calderon, but i can see the match finishing 1-1 and Barca therefore advancing 2-1 on aggregate. Either way, let's hope for an absolute cracker in the capital.
Here we go then. Both sets of players have joined us on the pitch for the first period. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium - it was never going to be anything else.
The Calderon expects, the public expect. It is Atletico against Barcelona in the second leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. It is the away side that get the first 45 minutes underway in Madrid.
GOAL! Atletico 1-0 Barcelona (Torres)
OH MY GOOD GRIEF HE HAS DONE IT AGAIN! Torres scored early at the Bernabeu in the last round and the Spaniard has netted inside one minute here. It is wonderful work as the striker takes one touch past Mascherano before arrowing his effort into the bottom corner. Torres, take a bow!
Well, these two don't do slow starts do they? Sensational opening to this match and we are all level at 1-1 in the tie. Barca just need to edge their way into the match with a period of possession here.
Decent response from the away side as Iniesta delivers a dangerous free kick towards the far past, the danger is cleared, but Barca have another free kick when Gimenez brings Neymar to the ground.
Half-chance for Barca as Rakitic whips a deep free kick to the far post, but Oblak palms over his own crossbar. It has been all Barca since Atletico opened the scoring inside the first 30 seconds.
The referee has been heavily involved in the last couple of minutes, as Neymar goes over again under a late challenge from Garcia. The free kicks are racking up, but still no bookings eight minutes in.
GOAL! Atletico 1-1 Barcelona (Neymar)
We are all level here as Messi finds Suarez, who slips a lovely pass into Neymar. The Brazilian has plenty to do, but he ghosts into the box before rolling one into the bottom corner. Super, super goal.
Well, 12 minutes into the match and we are level on the night at 1-1. Griezmann has a half-chance for the home side after meeting a loose ball on the edge of the box, but his effort is just wide.
Suarez is fortunate to escape a booking after diving into another late challenge with Messi, which brings a furious reaction from the away side's bench. It has been a cracking start to this match. Just a reminder that as it stands, Barca lead the tie 2-1 and they also have the away goal, which is so important.
BOOKING! Garcia (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Alba.
Both managers are very animated on the touchline at the moment, which is a direct reflection of matters on the field at the Calderon. I suspect that we have not seen the last of the bookings here!
Half-chance for Torres as the Spaniard meets a corner from the right, but his header is just wide of the post. Neymar is down the other end moments later, but the Brazilian is flagged offside before rolling the ball into the back of the net. Talking points at both ends as this match continues to delight.
As it stands, Atletico need two more goals without reply if they are to make the semi-finals.
Right, Alba has just injured himself with the linesman's flag. The linesman brought his arm down onto the head of Alba, who hit the deck. Yes, you heard that right. How bizarre. Anyway, back to the game.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, but Atletico have managed to regain a foothold in the final third following that strong spell for Barca. Still 1-1 on the night.
Atletico have scored 21 goals from set pieces this season, but that does not become 22 when Suarez clears a deep delivery from Gabi. Good pressure from the home side in the last few minutes.
Atletico threaten with another corner, but Gabi's delivery hits the side netting and Barca have a goal kick. Little under 20 minutes of the first period remaining at the Calderon and what a half it has been.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for the home side to score their second as Torres clips an excellent cross into Griezmann, but the Frenchman's effort is straight at Ter Stegen. Some chance there!
PENALTY ATLETICO!
BOOKING! Mascherano (Barca) is booked for bringing Juanfran to the ground. The referee points to the spot, but it looked outside the box. Another controversial moment here!
GOAL! Atletico 2-1 Barcelona (Garcia, pen)
Garcia fires his effort into the bottom corner! Stunning scenes here!
This is a super, super match. Atletico continue to force the issue in the final third, but Barca remain a threat on the counter with their stunning attacking players. Just a reminder that Atletico still need another goal if they are to make the semi-finals. Barca are still in charge despite the 2-1 score.
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and Atletico remain 2-1 ahead on the night. Barca have not had too much in the final third since scoring after nine minutes and the home supporters can sense something special here. The next goal - if there indeed is one - will be just vital.
Suarez goes down inside the Atletico box looking for a penalty, but the referee signals a free kick to Atletico. It was a dive from Suarez, but there is no booking, despite strong calls from Gimenez.
CHANCE! Barca come close to scoring their second as Rakitic finds some space inside the Atletico box, but Gimenez just manages to deflect the Croatian's effort over the crossbar. Wow!
GOAL! Atletico 2-2 Barcelona (Miranda OG)
Barca level on the night as Miranda turns a Busquets header into his own net following a corner from the right. Atletico do not look the same defensive side without the sensational Diego Godin.
We've been spoiled in the first period haven't we? What a game at the Calderon! Sensational!
GOAL! Atletico 2-3 Barcelona (Neymar)
Barca have their third of the night and fourth of the tie as Neymar converts from close range after Alba had somehow met a deep pass from Messi. Atletico wanted a penalty down the other end moments later, but the referee was not interested in a potential handball from Alba. OH MY WORD.
Silence inside the Calderon as Barca dominate possession in the latter stages of the half.
BOOKING! Messi (Barca) is booked for dissent.
HALF-TIME: Atletico 2-3 Barcelona
HANDBAGS! It is kicking off as both sets of players leave the field. Torres clashes with Neymar, before Mario Suarez has a pop at one of Barcelona's backroom staff. Now children, play nice.
STATS! Barca have dominated the possession with 61%, while they have hit the target on four occasions - three of which have ended in goals. Atletico, meanwhile, have managed three attempts on target from six. There has also been three bookings, which is a surprisingly low number!
BENCH WATCH! Atletico boss Simeone might well make changes at the interval and he has plenty of options in reserve. Top scorer Mario Mandzukic is available, as are Raul Jimenez, Saul Niguez and on-loan Villarreal midfielder Cani. Barcelona, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Pedro, Xavi and Rafinha. Just a reminder that Atletico now need three goals without reply to advance.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. More of the same please - some first half that was! The home side get the second 45 minutes of action underway.
SUB! Atletico have made one change at the break, with Saul replacing Griezmann.
RED CARD! Oh my word. It is understood that Gabi has been sent off at the interval for something that must have been said in the tunnel. That is incredible. Atletico are down to 10 men!
BOOKING! Turan (Atletico) has been booked for throwing his boot off the pitch after having the ball taken away from him by Alves. What a bizarre moment that was. Atletico need to be careful.
Not too much to report in the second period in terms of chances, which is not much of a surprise. Atletico have almost lost their heads here, which is really, really disappointing.
Plenty of late challenges in the early stages of the second half, while Barca are more than comfortable in keeping possession of the ball. Just a reminder that Atletico need three goals without reply.
Some Atletico supporters have turned their back on this game in some sort of protest. That is poor - they are much, much better than that. Atletico really need some inspiration from somewhere here.
Little over 30 minutes of this second period remaining and in truth, not too much is happening. Neither side has had a chance of note since the break, with Atletico sitting deep in an attempt to limit the damage. There are more goals in this for Barca should the away side wish to make a statement.
CHANCE! Barca come close to scoring a fourth as Messi sets up Rakitic inside the box, but Gimenez is on hand to make a fine block. Another Barca goal would definitely seal this.
SUB! Atletico make their second change as Juanfran is replaced by Jesus Gamez.
Not much of an atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment, which is not much of a surprise. Barca are preparing to make their first change, meanwhile, with Jeremy Mathieu ready and waiting.
SUB! Barca make their first change as Mathieu replaces Mascherano. Atletico, meanwhile, make their third and final change as Cani enters the match in place of Turan.
This second period has been a non-event. Simple as. Poor to watch at the moment.
Both of these teams are winding down ahead of the weekend! Barca are in control of the possession, but they are not doing too much with it as Atletico sit and defend the edge of their own box.
BOOKING! Suarez (Atletico) is booked for a terrible challenge on Busquets.
SUB! Barca make their second change as Rafinha replaces Rakitic.
CHANCE! Atletico come close to scoring their third of the night as Cani thumps one towards the top corner, but Ter Stegen is on hand to make an excellent save. Finally, some fight!
CHANCE! Messi has a chance to put this one beyond Atletico once and for all, but the Argentine strokes his effort straight into the arms of Oblak. Some chances finally, it has taken some time.
BOOKING! Alves (Barca) is booked for a late challenge on Cani.
BOOKING! Siqueira (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Messi.
SUB! Barca make their third change as Pedro replaces Neymar.
Barca have the chance to threaten from a set piece, but Rafinha's effort is hacked clear by Gimenez. The home side cannot make their presence known in attack, however, with Cani awfully isolated.
CHANCE! Barca have a wonderful chance to score their third as Iniesta collects a stunning ball from Messi before driving into the box, but Oblak is down to make a really smart save.
BOOKING! Gimenez (Atletico) is now booked for dissent.
RED CARD! Suarez (Atletico) is given his marching orders for another poor challenge on Messi. Second yellow card for the Spanish midfielder and Atletico are down to nine men here.
BOOKING! Cani (Atletico) is now booked for a late challenge on Messi.
I am a big fan of Atletico, but they have let themselves down big time tonight. The lack of discipline in the second period has been very poor indeed. Barca are heading for the semis and rightly so.
The stadium is emptying as Iniesta strikes one into the body of Oblak. Almost over here.
We are into the first of two additional minutes here.
FULL-TIME: Atletico 2-3 Barca (Barca win 4-2 on aggregate)
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to a close, with Barca booking their spot in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. What an evening at the Calderon. Atletico finish with nine men on another entertaining fixture between these two. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
