FC Barcelona: Flick's team delivers spectacular duel in the cup

FC Barcelona had a tough duel in the first cup semi-final against Atlético Madrid. But the team of former national coach Hansi Flick made mistakes in the end.

FC Barcelona with coach Hansi Flick gambled away a good starting position for the targeted cup final in Spain in a spectacular match against Atlético Madrid . The Primera División leaders turned the semi-final first leg at home from a 0-2 deficit into a 4-2 lead, but had to settle for a 4-4 (3-2) draw after conceding two goals in the final phase.

The day after Flick's 60th birthday, Barca completely missed the start of the match. Julian Alvarez (1st minute) and Antoine Griezmann (6th) initially gave the visitors a lightning start and punished the hosts' mistakes with icy coldness. But the Catalans responded with a double strike from Pedri (19th) and Pau Cubarsí (21st). Before half-time, Flick's team took the lead through Inigo Martinez (41st).

After the break, Barcelona continued to dominate, but made two serious mistakes in the final phase. First, Atlético's Marcos Llorente (84th) was left unattended in the backcourt, then three Madrilenians suddenly stormed towards Barcelona's goal, then ex-Leipzig player Alexander Sörloth (90th+3) even saved Atlético a draw in a wild cup fight.

The return leg in Madrid will take place on April 2nd. In the second semi-final duel, Real Madrid will play the first leg against Real Sociedad San Sebastian this Wednesday.