Nine-man Barcelona claim Copa del Rey final spot following tense draw against Atletico

Nine-man Barcelona claim Copa del Rey final spot following tense draw against Atletico

Nine-man Barcelona secured their place in the Copa del Rey final after a hard-fought and temperamental draw against Atletico Madrid – a contest which saw three men, including Luis Suarez, sent off.

Barcelona held a 2-1 advantage from the first leg and appeared to have the tie secured when Suarez tapped home from close range after some excellent footwork from Lionel Messi.

However the Catalans were put at a disadvantage when Sergi Roberto was given his marching orders after getting a second yellow card early in the second half for a studs-up challenge Filipe Luis.

Atletico Madrid would draw level in the 83rd minute through substitute Kevin Gamiero and really should have won the match, and possibly claimed the tie, with the striker also missing a penalty and Antoine Griezmann wrongly having a goal ruled out.

Yannick Carrasco was sent off for two yellows mid-way through the second period to once again level the teams in terms of players, but that wasn’t the end of the drama.

Suarez saw another finish ruled out for offside, correctly, but the Uruguayan himself was then sent off after a tackle on Koke, meaning the attacker will miss out on the final.

Nonetheless, Barcelona secured their place in the final where they will face either Celta Vigo or Alaves.

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