Atlético de Madrid – Athletic Club: Lions’ pressure takes the lead to Bilbao (0-1)

Valverde's team managed to leave the Metropolitano with an advantage. Athletic's high and fierce pressing was once again their main offensive weapon, making Atlético de Madrid uncomfortable and causing them to lose many balls in dangerous areas. The reaction of Simeone's team in the second half was insufficient and the semi-final of the Copa del Rey will be decided in Bilbao.

Tactical analysis and match report by Xavi Sánchez.

The beauty of the Copa del Rey is the uncertainty and chaos it brings to Spanish football. The two giants of the competition, Barça and Real Madrid, being knocked out and beaten in the quarter-finals — both teams lost 4-2. And in another twist of fate in this crazy competition, their two executioners, Atlético de Madrid and Athletic Club, the two big favourites to lift the cup, meet in a two-legged semi-final where the winner will take a place in the final along with the "big favourites" tag.

Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid are hungry for titles. After the defeat in the Spanish Super Cup, in a vibrant derby that Real Madrid won 5-3, Atleti have now gone six games unbeaten — five consecutive wins and one draw, also

Get access to this article and all other quality content of Between the Posts!

Membership Plans

Already a member? Log in