Athletico Bilbao win Spanish Super Cup after beating Barcelona 3-2 as Leo Messi sent off in final
Athletico Bilbao have lifted the 2021 Spanish Super Cup after beating Barcelona 3-2 in final at Estadio de La Cartuja on Sunday evening.
Bilbao had already eliminated another giants Real Madrid in the semifinals after emerging 2-1 winners over Zidane’s men last Thursday before setting a tough final on Sunday against Barcelona.
Messi- though not 100 percent fit- returned to action in today’s final after missing Barcelona’s 3-2 on penalties triumph over Real Sociedad in the other semifinals last Wednesday.
However, the Argentine’s return in Barcelona starting lineup ended him a painful title loss to Bilbao and at the worst side of it all Messi was shown the exit door in stoppage time of the extra-time when his side were 3-2 down.
Twice Bilbao came from behind to beat Barcelona to the title when Oscar de Marcos drew level just two minutes after Antoine Griezmann had put Barcelona ahead on the 40’ minute clock.
The French International restored lead for Ronald Koeman’s men late in the second half and seemingly helping Barcelona to running away with the title on that close manner of a score line.
However, Asier Villalibre struck in stoppage time to send the final to extra-time before Inaki Williams complete the title-winning comeback early in first half of the extra-time.
After doing all what they could within their capacity, Barcelona failed to equalized and Messi was shown the red card late in the extra proceedings.
The Barcelona forward swung an arm at Villalibre off the ball and Gil Manzano run across to check the VAR screen for himself before coming back to brandish the Argentine with a red card.
Barcelona may count themselves unlucky to have conceded a goal in the dying seconds of the game, but across the piece Athletic Club were worthy champions.
That strike from Williams in extra-time will be on a loop for all red and white fans, truly a magnificent way to clinch victory in a final.
Messi was brought back into the side, clearly not 100%, and was not able to work his magic this time. He did play a major role in the first goal, and then almost scored a peach of a free-kick.
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