Atletico Madrid welcomed Sevilla to the Vicente Calderon on Thursday in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final.
The home side dominated proceedings in the opening period, but they could not find the back of net, with Diego Costa firing the best chance wide of the target.
The second period brought three red cards, three penalties and three goals in a quite stunning half of Copa del Rey football.
Costa sent the home side ahead from the spot early in the half, but Alvaro Negredo converted moments later to level proceedings.
There was time for Costa to score another penalty, however, to leave Atletico with a 2-1 advantage over nine-man Sevilla ahead of the second leg.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our second semi-final of the Copa del Rey comes from the Spanish capital once more as Atletico welcome Sevilla to Madrid. El Clasico last night was perhaps not the most enthralling of encounters, but a pulsating tactical battle nonetheless. One thing is for certain, Atletico will be keen to take a lead into the second leg which takes place at the end of February.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, there has not been much to separate them. Atletico were 4-0 winners in the league match at the Vicente Calderon earlier in the season, but three of the last four meetings have ended in a draw. The last time Sevilla recorded a league win over their opponents this evening was in October 2010, with a 3-0 success.
TEAMS
ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Luis; Gabi, Suarez, Koke, Turan; Adrian, Costa
SEVILLA: Beto; Maduro, Navarro, Spahic, Fazio, Cicinho; Navas, Kondogbia, Medel, Rakitic; Negredo
So there we have it. Atletico are still without the injured Radamel Falcao, but Adrian Lopez does come into the team to parter Diego Costa in attack. There is also a starting place for Mario Suarez in midfield. Sevilla, meanwhile, name a defensive side with Alvaro Negredo as the lone forward. However, Jose Antonio Reyes is suspended.
Let’s take a look at how both sides made it to this stage of the competition, starting with Atletico. They were comfortable winners over Real Jaen in the round of 32 before they overcame fellow La Liga outfit Getafe in the next round. Real Betis, who themselves were on a fine run, awaited in the quarter-finals, but Atletico picked up a home win before drawing the second leg.
Sevilla, meanwhile, began their campaign with a two-legged victory over Espanyol, before thumping Real Mallorca to advance to the quarter-finals. Real Zaragoza awaited in the final eight, but they had no trouble in overcoming their fellow La Liga outfit to advance to this stage of the competition. It would be fair to admit that they have had a somewhat favourable path to this stage.
Let’s focus on league form for a moment. Atletico currently sit second in the table, four points ahead of third-placed Real Madrid, but 11 points behind Barcelona. They have wobbled in recent weeks, however, with just 10 points from their last six games in the league. Last time out they suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao.
Sevilla, meanwhile, currently sit in 11th position in the table. Despite being mooted as challengers for the top four at the beginning of the season, they sit some nine points off fourth-placed Malaga. They have managed seven points from their last six league matches, but have lost just one of their last five in all competitions.
However, Sevilla will have to overcome the best home team in La Liga if they are to pick up a result this evening. Atletico have a perfect record on their home patch, winning all 11 league matches, scoring 32 times and conceding just six in the process. Sevilla’s away form does not provide too much hope with just one win from their 11 league matches on the road.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. Following the completion of the pre-match handshakes and the exchanging of flags, we will get the action underway. Just about time for my pre-match prediction; I cannot see anything over than a home win this evening. Sevilla need to score to have a chance of making the final.
Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the two sides to meet in the second leg at the end of February. However, with away goals counting double in the Copa del Rey, Sevilla will be keen to take something from tonight's match. No Falcao for the home side this evening, but Negredo, despite transfer speculation, starts for Sevilla. The home side get the action underway.
Strong start from the home side as they force an early corner through Turan, but the resulting set piece from the Turkish international is cleared behind. The pressure continues as the corner is played short before Costa collects possession in the box, but he cannot find a pass and Beto is out to collect.
Slightly sloppy start from the away side with their midfield three unable to sustain any sort of possession under pressure from the home side. Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but a decent atmosphere nonetheless. A poor kick from Beto almost allows Costa in on goal, but the Brazilian cannot collect and the danger is cleared.
High-tempo opening to this match with both sides attacking with pace and intent. The home side threaten as Turan picks up possession just outside the box before finding Juanfran, but the Spanish defender is adjudged to have handballed outside the box. Still not too much from Sevilla with Negredo and Navas struggling for early possession.
It's better from the away side as Negredo picks up possession before attempting to dart into the penalty area, but Godin is across to clear the danger. The pressure continues as Cicinho evades two challenges, but the danger is cleared. Adrian comes close to finding Costa down the other end, but the final pass from the Spaniard is poor.
Decent possession from Sevilla in the last couple of moments with Medel combining with Rakitic on the right. The latter looks for Negredo, but the striker just cannot find a gap in the defence with Godin across to clear the danger. Still no real chances for either side in the opening 10 minutes of proceedings.
The home supporters continue to raise their side in the early stages, but without Falcao, there is no obvious target to look for in the final third. Adrian attempts to go alone as he picks up possession before firing a low cross into the box, but Navarro is across to clear with Costa waiting to tap into an empty net.
Again Atletico threaten to force the issue as Costa picks up possession before finding Adrian in the box, but Spahic comes across to clear the danger. Costa attempts to go once more as he bounces off the defender before striking towards goal, but it was always moving wide of the target. Strong start from the home side, but we still haven't really had a clear chance for either side.
Slightly scrappy period to the match in the last few moments with both sides guilty of giving away a host of free kicks in the midfield area. The latest presents a chance for Sevilla to whip the ball into the penalty box, but Godin rises highest to clear the danger. Turan threatens down the other end, but he is chopped down by Spahic, who gains a yellow for his troubles.
Half-chance for the home side to fashion an opportunity as Turan strikes a free kick from outside the box, but he can only fire over the crossbar. Another free kick arrives moments later as Turan looks for Costa inside the box, but the Brazilian just cannot collect under pressure and the away side restart play with a goal kick.
Slight handbags between Costa and Cicinho as the Sevilla defender fells the Brazilian, but the referee calms proceedings down before play is restarted. Atletico continue to pen the away side in their own half with a couple of throws, but the home side just cannot find that final pass with 20 minutes on the clock. Sevilla will be content with how things have developed thus far.
Decent possession from Sevilla in the last couple of minutes as they continue to frustrate the home side. They attempt to break on the counter as Navas drives down the right before finding Negredo, but the striker is instantly surrounded by two defenders and the danger is cleared. It has just become slightly scrappy in the last few moments.
Opportunity for Sevilla to cause problems in the Atletico box as Navas fires a free kick towards the back post, but Courtois comes out to collect with ease. That is just about the first time they have been in the home side's penalty area. Atletico attack down the other end with Juanfran, but once more the Spaniard cannot find a cross into the box.
Extended spell of pressure for the away side as Navas combines with Rakitic outside the box, but Gabi is across to clear the danger. Again it's good work from Kondogbia as the powerful midfielder drives into the box, but Miranda is across to block the Frenchman's path. Still no real chances for either side as we approach the 30-minute mark in this Copa del Rey semi-final tie.
Not too much to report in the last few moments with Sevilla keeping possession in their own half. They have attempted a couple of high balls towards Negredo, but the striker has been unable to compete with the two central defenders thus far. Meanwhile, the challenges continue to fly in as the referee attempts to get hold of the petulance.
CHANCE! The clearest opportunity of the match by some distance comes to the home side as Adrian darts into the box before finding Koke, but the Spaniard can only fire his effort straight at the goalkeeper. What a chance to open the scoring. The score remains level in the Vicente Calderon.
The resulting corner threatens to cause problems in the Sevilla defence as Juanfran darts into the box, but Navarro brings the Spaniard down inside the box. The home supporters want a penalty, but the referee shakes his head. Much better from the home side, but without Falcao, they do not look capable of finding the back of the net from a half-chance.
Again it's good football from the home side as Turan combines with Juanfran down the right, but once more Navarro is across to clear the danger. The pressure continues as Atletico force a couple of corners in quick succession, but Sevilla clear on each occasion. Little over 10 minutes of the half remaining and we still await the opening goal of the evening.
The home supporters continue to call for each challenge, but the referee is not interested. Costa tangles with Fazio once more, Adrian is on hand to collect, but the Spaniard just cannot sort out his feet in time and the danger is cleared. Unfortunately, the match has become scrappy in the last 10 or so minutes with a host fouls from both sides.
I would love to be able to report that there has been a host of chances in an end-to-end match. However, that has not been the case. Sevilla have been the more productive in possession in the last few minutes, but have been unable to force a clear chance. Atletico, meanwhile, are really struggling to find their final pass as things stand.
Another half-chance comes to Costa as Spahic sells his goalkeeper short with a back-pass, but Beto is out to clear the danger at the vital moment. Another opportunity arrives moments later as Adrian spins into the box, but he can only fire his effort high and wide of the crossbar.
Better from Sevilla in the last couple of moments as Negredo picks up possession before striking a powerful effort towards the top corner, but Courtois is across to make the save. The home side come close down the other end moments later, but Costa's low cross into the penalty area just would not fall for Turan and Fazio is on hand to clear.
Sevilla again threaten down the other end as Negredo combines with Rakitic before attempting to drive into the box, but Juanfran is on hand to clear the danger. A major disappointment for the away side has been the performance of Navas, or the lack of one to be truthful. He has not had any influence on this match whatsoever.
Another half-chance for the home side as Adrian whips a dangerous cross into the box, but it just would not fall for Costa, with the ball moving out for a throw. Strong end to the opening period from Atletico, but they have not yet been able to open the scoring. Another good opportunity arrives as Costa advances into the box, but he can only fire wide.
HALF-TIME: Atletico Madrid 0-0 Sevilla
So there we have it. The referee blows his whistle with the two sides level at 0-0. In truth, there has not been too much to report in the opening 45 minutes, despite Atletico dominating possession for large periods. The best chances of the half arrived for the home side late on, but Sevilla managed to quell the danger.
A reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come at the end of February. The first semi-final was contested between Real Madrid and Barcelona last night, with the first leg ending in a 1-1 draw in the Spanish capital. We could yet have an all-Madrid final this season.
Let's take a quick look at both benches for this evening. The home side have the likes of Tiago, Cristian Rodriguez and Oliver Torres on the sidelines, but without Falcao, they do not have an out-and-out goalscorer. Sevilla, meanwhile, have the Manu del Moral and Coke on the sidelines. Both managers have the power to influence proceedings in the second period.
Right, we are just a couple of minutes away from the second period. You just get the feeling that Sevilla need to score this evening to have a chance in the second leg. A 0-0 draw would not be the worst result in the world, but Atletico will feel confident of scoring in the second leg at the end of February.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is not all that surprising based on the first half. I am still backing the home side to win this evening, but it could be decided by the single goal with both defences performing well thus far. Sevilla get the half underway.
Strong start to the second period from the away side as Navas collects possession before striking a powerful effort on goal, but Courtois is on hand to palm clear with Negredo waiting to pounce. Meanwhile, it is the away supporters that can be heard in the early stages of this half.
PENALTY TO ATLETICO AND A RED CARD: The home side are awarded a penalty as Spahic handles in the box, while he had already been booked in the first period and is therefore given his marching orders. This tie has just been turned on its head. It appears that Costa will take the penalty.
GOAL! Atletico Madrid 1-0 Sevilla (Costa)
It is just about as cool as you could ever imagine as Costa gives the goalkeeper the eyes before rolling his effort into the bottom corner, much to the delight of the home supporters. He should have scored at the end of the first period, but he has indeed opened the scoring now.
Sevilla attempt to respond down the other end as Navas combines with Negredo before driving into the penalty area, but the danger is cleared. Meanwhile, the away side are forced into their first change of the match as Maduro is replaced by Botia. You just get the feeling that Sevilla need to tighten up for the next five or 10 minutes.
Another half-chance comes for the home side as Adrian darts past two challenges before firing a low cross into the box, but it just would not fall for Costa. Turan is involved moments later as he finds Costa in the penalty box, but the striker just takes on touch too many and Beto is out to clear the danger.
The stadium is jumping at the moment with the home supporters driving their team onto each attack. The latest comes down the left as Turan collects possession before evading two challenges, but the cross into the penalty area is poor and the danger is cleared.
PENALTY TO SEVILLA AND A RED CARD: The away side are awarded a penalty as Godin is adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area with Negredo chipping towards goal. Meanwhile, the defender is sent from the field. Negredo will take.
GOAL! Atletico Madrid 1-1 Sevilla (Negredo)
Negredo steps up to fire his effort into the bottom corner. What an incredible start to this second period. Two penalties, two goals, two red cards. What is it with red cards in Spain lately? There does seem to be an incredible amount. Now we have a real tie on our hands.
Well, if the first period was a slight non-event, that has not been the case in the second half. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and the away side are now the team forcing the issue. Navas threatens down the right as he drives into the box, but Juanfran is across to clear the danger at the vital moment.
Oh how this match has changed. It would be no exaggeration to say that the away side are in complete control. Rakitic comes close with a powerful shot from outside the box, but it just moves wide of the target. Meanwhile, the home side are forced into a change as Diaz comes on to replace Koke. Stunning evening of football in Madrid.
The home side just cannot gain any sort of control in this match as Sevilla continue to cause problems. Again it's good work from Negredo as the striker cushions a header to Kondogbia, but the midfielder can only strike his effort over the crossbar. Meanwhile, it appears that Atletico will soon make their second change of the evening.
The change is indeed made as Adrian is replaced by Rodriguez. That is a surprising decision. Is that a sign that Simeone would be prepared to take this score into the second leg? Sevilla have their away goal and would therefore feel confident of progressing. Atletico have simply offered nothing in attack since taking the lead in the early stages of the half.
Slightly scrappy period to the match at the moment with both sides guilty of giving away a host of free kicks in and around the centre circle. Meanwhile, it is the away supporters that continue to make most of the noise. Still no movement on the away bench. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match.
Not too much to report in the last few moments with both sides just exchanging spells of possession in midfield. Meanwhile, the home supporters continue to become frustrated as the free kicks go against them. Negredo has been a real star for Sevilla in the second period, not just with his goal, but his general link-up play has been sublime.
PENALTY TO ATLETICO: The home side are awarded their second penalty of the evening as Navarro is adjudged to have handled in the area. What a stunning moment in this match. Costa will once more have the chance to put his side ahead.
GOAL! Atletico Madrid 2-1 Sevilla (Costa)
Again it is a wonderful penalty from the Brazilian striker as Costa steps up to fire his effort into the bottom corner. Same side as last time, but it just had too much power. Can Sevilla respond once more?
All-action stuff here as Atletico go in search of their third goal through Turan, but the midfielder just cannot sort out his feet in the area and the danger is cleared. Sevilla attempt to advance down the other end with Negredo, but once more Juanfran thumps clear. Little over 15 minutes of this match remaining. Time for another couple of penalties?!
The home side continue to dominate the possession as we enter the final stages of this match. You get the feeling that they want to take another goal into the second leg as they continue to drive forward with numbers. But Sevilla will be more than content as things stand, with Reyes getting ready to join the action.
The change is indeed made with Kondogbia being replaced by Reyes. The winger will be given freedom to roam in the latter stages of this match and he has been in decent form in recent weeks. Neither side is really in control at the moment with both enjoying decent spells in possession.
Again Turan is involved for Atletico as the Turkish midfielder collects possession before driving down the right, but Navarro is across to clear the danger. Sevilla come close down the other end with a free kick from Reyes, but Courtois comes out to claim under pressure from Negredo. No signs of the pace letting up in the latter stages.
It is quite extraordinary how this match has gone back and forth with each side enjoying spells in control. Sevilla look the most likely to add to the scoring at the moment as they continue to throw numbers forward in each attack, with Atletico more than happy to sit deep and defend. Will we have late drama here?
The pressure remains from the away side as they commit three, four, five players to each attack. It almost costs them as Costa collects possession down the other end before finding Turan in the box, but Beto is across to gather. Incredible second half of Copa del Rey football in the Spanish capital and we still have more than five minutes remaining.
Atletico continue to defend the edge of their own penalty area with Gabi more than happy to sit in front of the back four. Another low cross from Cicinho causes problems, but Gabi is back to clear for a corner. Very much backs against the wall for Atletico with their perfect home record in doubt here. But they still lead despite their troubles.
RED CARD: Navarro: Sevilla are reduced to nine men as Navarro fells Costa, who was in on goal. The defender had already been booked, but the referee awarded him a straight red. Yet another dismissal in Spain. What is happening?!
Half-chance for the home side from the resulting free kick as Gabi strikes his effort towards the top corner, but it just moves high of the crossbar. Meanwhile, Sevilla make another change as Negredo is replaced by Coke. Can the away side hold on in the final stages of this match?
Half-chance for the home side as Costa fires a low cross into the box, but Turan just could not make contact with Sevilla struggling to cope. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time.
Not too much to report in stoppage time with both times seemingly happy to accept the result as it stands. A half-chance does arrive for the home side as Suarez meets a Turan cross, but he can only head wide of the post. All things considered, this will be a very good result for nine-man Sevilla.
FULL-TIME: Atletico Madrid 2-1 Sevilla
So there we have it. The second period brought three red cards, three penalties and three goals in a quite stunning evening of Copa del Rey football. Atletico will take a 2-1 lead into the second leg, but nine-man Sevilla secured their way goal. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and stay with us as the transfer deadline draws to a close.
