Barcelona come from behind to defeat Granada; qualify for Copa del Rey semis


Barcelona come from behind to defeat Granada; qualify for Copa del Rey semis
Barcelona players celebrate after a goal

Barcelona came from 0-2 down to beat Granada 5-3 in the Copa del Rey quarter finals to book a spot in the semi-finals. The Blaugranas trailed 0-2 until the 88th minute to set up a thrilling final few minutes.

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Barcelona scored twice in the last 2 minutes through Griezmann and Alba as Messi assisted both goals. The match went into extra time poised and 2-2 and Barcelona’s class and spirit showed at the end.

Barcelona scored 3 goals in extra-time

Messi assisted twice in the match

Barcelona dominated for most parts of the first half but went down in the 33rd minute. Kenedy scored the opening goal for Granada. Roberto Soldado score dthe 2nd goal for Granada in the second half to double Granada’s lead.

Antoine Griezmann helped pull a goal back two minutes from time when his poke of a lobbed Messi pass crawled into the net. Jordi Alba nodded home Griezmann’s cushioned header of another inch-perfect cross from Messi.

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They took the lead for the first time in the match in extra-time as Griezmann scored his 2nd goal. Granada would not get bogged down and hit back through Fede Vico as he scored a penalty in the 103rd minute.

Griezmann celebrates after scoring his 2nd goal

Finally, Barcelona restored their advantage for the final time in the match through Frenkie De Jong. He scored after Escandell parried a right-footed shot from Messi into his path. Jordi Alba put the finishing touches and added an extra cushion for Barcelona to put the game to bed.

Barcelona will now face Seville, Levante or the winner of Athletic Club and Real Betis’ match in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.

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