The categorical victory of Atlético de Madrid 4-0 against Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals left it difficult for the Catalans to reach the final, despite the fact that the rematch will be at the Camp Nou.The result left the team led by Diego Simeone in an unbeatable position to face the return, while speculation grew due to an alleged provocative gesture by the Argentine coach towards Lamine Yamal.
In the last minutes of the first half, the Metropolitan bench area became the center of a crossroads of opinions between Simeone and Yamal.The TV3 cameras recorded how, after the third goal for Aleti scored by Lookman, the Argentine coach showed the number three with his hand when the footballer passed by.The moment gained notoriety after the publication of images on networks from the El Chiringuito TV program, which fueled the interpretation of an alleged provocation.
The complete sequence, recorded by a camera at the foot of the field, also showed several Atlético players (Ruggeri, Koke and Llorente) intercepting Lamine Yamal during a play.The Barcelona attacker, frustrated by the adverse score and his lack of influence in the game, complained to referee Martínez Munuera for what he considered to be “three consecutive fouls” that were not sanctioned. The exchange of gestures and words with Simeone occurred in that context, and according to the images reviewed by Esport3 TV3, the scene suggests that both discussed the repetition of infractions and it was not a direct provocation on the part of the former Argentine national team player.
In statements after the match, Simeone valued his team’s collective performance: “The players played a game that, honestly, will remain in the memory. Regardless of how the tie ends.”The coach explained that the energy transmitted by the stadium was decisive and highlighted the work of his forwards: “The four forwards, Giuliano, Julián, Griezmann and Lookman, interpreted in the best way those spaces to break that the rival usually provokes due to their play.”
When asked if he expected this outcome, Simeone was clear: “I have faith in the team, I have faith in what we do and in our people. It is clear that I am not a witch who imagines what is going to happen, but I did feel that the team could play a game like it did.”Despite the large victory, he maintained that the series is still open: “The tie is not over, we know the rival we face. We will have to face it with the same desire to work as we worked today, the day we get revenge.”
The duel also served for Julián Álvarez to break a streak of more than two months without scoring. About him and Nahuel Molina, another of the outstanding players, Simeone expressed: “I believe that in the end work pays. I am aware that in life you have to stay, you have to give, you have to give… and at some point the work returns it to you.” In this context, the Argentine side’s competitive spirit and growth stood out: “We saw that he was growing.”and he was able to give us everything he has: very good offensive conditions, personality to attack, brave to break… And well, today he was able to play the game that he wanted and needed after so long, especially without having continuity.”
When referring to Molina’s assist on the third goal and his impact on the game, Cholo added: “I repeat: the details he showed today speak for themselves. The assist to Lookman is fantastic. His work in the first half was incredible and thank God he has already returned to that goal that he needed so much, and that will surely clear him up for everything that comes.”
The rematch for one of the Copa del Rey semifinals between both teams is scheduled for March 3 at the Camp Nou, the scene where Barcelona will seek to reverse a four-goal deficit.
