Atletico Madrid rue missed chances as Athletic Club take lead in Copa del Rey second leg semi-finals
Atletico Madrid were made to make up for several missed opportunities when they lost to Athletic Club at Civitas Metropolitano in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final – the Basque side took a priceless 1-0 win.
The decisive moment of the match came in the 25th minute, when Reinildo Mandava conceded a penalty for the hosts. Alex Berenguer, who returned to the Athletic side after missing the last three minutes with a hamstring injury, stepped up to score the opening goal, sparking joy for Los Leones.
⚽️ GOOOOOOL FROM BERENGUER!!
The 'lions' go ahead with a goal from eleven meters.
🆚 @atleti | 0-1 | @AthleticClub | 25'
i️ Minute by minute: https://t.co/Z3tSxWIqxj#LaCopaMola🏆 | #CopaDelRey pic.twitter.com/wcXikqcLTP
— RFEF (@rfef) February 7, 2024
It remained 1-0 until half-time, and after the interval, Atleti really stepped up. They had several great chances, with Samuel Lino, Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata all close to equalizing. However, Julen Agirrezabala in the Athletic goal could not be beaten, as he and his defense were strong. The hosts also awarded a late penalty but it was disallowed as Morata was offside in the build-up.
The result is part Athletic Club in an excellent position to reach the final of the Copa del Rey, while Atletico Madrid they lost their first home game since January 2023. The return leg takes place in San Mames on February 29.
