Messi red carded as Barcelona lose Supercopa finals 3-2 to Athletic Bilbao
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FC Barcelona lost 3-2 in the Supercopa finals against Athletic Bilbao. A brace from Griezmann was overshadowed by 2nd half goals from Villalibre and Williams.
Barcelona scored first through Griezmann in the 40th minute but Athletic restored parity 2 minutes later. Barcelona started the 2nd half in ascendency and were rewarded in the 77th minute again through Griezmann.
Inaki Williams scored an outstanding goal to win the Supercopa for Athletic
The goal looked to be enough for victory but Athletic hit back in the 89th minute when Muniain drifted a free-kick into the box for an unmarked Asier Villalibre to head home and force extra-time. The match finished 2-2 and headed towards extra time. Inaki Williams produced a moment of sheer magic when he scored from outside the box to give Athletic the lead in the 93rd minute.
The victory brought a third Supercopa title for the Basque side. It was also their first silverware since they claimed the same trophy in 2015 with a 5-1 aggregate win over Barca.
Lionel Messi received a late red card for a challenge on Villalibre which was his first in a Barcelona shirt. Reports in Spanish media suggest, Messi might face a 4 game ban for his violent conduct in the red card. This was Messi’s first red card in 753 games for Barcelona and 3rd red card overall.
Ronald Koeman lost his chance of winning his first trophy and was disappointed with the result. He said “You have to analyze the game, it’s difficult. We are sad and disappointed, because we wanted to win.
“It’s not a step backwards. A title is convenient to show that you’re on the right path, but we’ve still showed that we are. We’ve done everything to win, but we were very tired. For many players it will prove a good experience to have played in this final.”
The defeat to Athletic has increased pressure on Ronald Koeman,who has endured a thought start at Camp Nou. Barcelona next face Cornella in the Copa Del Rey, a match they are expected to win.
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