Atlético Madrid lost at home to Athletic Bilbao (0:1) in the first semi-final match of the Copa del Rey.
The only goal was scored from the penalty spot in the 25th minute by visiting striker Alex Berenguer.
“I think overall we played a good game, but mistakes are costly in cup games. We worked the first half very well, and the second half even better, we spent a lot of time in the opponent’s half of the field. We didn’t convert our scoring chances, but don’t worry, it happens. The opponent has an advantage, now they will play at home, in front of their fans, but we will do everything possible to win. This is football, anything can happen,” Atletico head coach Diego Simeone said at the post-match press conference.
“Athletic” interrupted the unbeaten streak of the “mattress players” of eight matches. Over the past month, Atlético won five victories and ended in draws in three more matches in regular time. All three matches were played against Real Madrid.
In addition, Atlético’s streak of 28 home games without defeat was interrupted. The last time Madrid lost to Barcelona at the Metropolitano (0:1) was in January 2023.
The return game will take place on February 29 in Bilbao. The winner in the final will compete with the winner of the Real Sociedad – Mallorca pair. The first match in this confrontation ended with a score of 0:0.
2024-02-08 05:53:16
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