News Archive

Copa del Rey, semi finals, first leg

Celta 0 - Alavés 0

Celta and Alavés drew 0-0 in the second of the semi-final first leg ties, leaving everything to be decided next week in the Mendizorroza stadium. A heavy rainstorm and high winds made play difficult, and there were no clear cut chances until Sergio Álvarez saved from Manu García shortly before the break. After the interval Pacheco did well to keep out Iago Aspas, and a few minutes later the Spanish international striker volleyed a shot against the crossbar. With ten minutes or so to go Álvarez frustrated another effort from Edgar, and with the game coming to an end Pablo Hernández hit the post following a long free kick. It was a third goal-less draw in a row for the Vitoria based side, and they must now be marginal favourites to go through to their first ever Spanish cup final. (02.02.17)

Atlético Madrid 1 – Barcelona 2

Barcelona are on track for a third Copa del Rey title in a row after they beat Atlético Madrid 1-2 in the first leg of their semi-final. Luis Suárez opened the scoring for Luis Enrique’s team in only the sixth minute, running on past four defenders to beat Moyà after Mascherano won the ball in midfield, and Messi fired home an impressive second with just over half an hour on the clock. Simeone’s half time team talk did the trick though, Griezmann heading one back on the hour mark after Godín headed across a set-piece Gabi free kick, and although Moyà had to tip a Messi free kick on to the bar, Griezmann, Fernando Torres and Gameiro all had chances to level the scores later on. The second leg is in the Nou Camp next Tuesday, although Neymar and Gabi will be missing after they picked up their third bookings of the competition. (01.02.17)