Atlético Madrid advanced to the Copa del Rey semifinals after defeating Real Betis 5–0 away from home in the quarterfinals. The team coached by Diego Simeone overcame the side managed by Manuel Pellegrini to secure a place in the final four of the competition.
The match featured contributions from several Argentine players. Giuliano Simeone scored Atlético’s second goal of the night in the first half, finishing a move inside the box to extend the lead.
In the second half, Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada entered the match from the bench. Almada scored Atlético’s fifth goal late in the game after following up a rebound and finishing from close range.
Julián Álvarez did not play. The forward was expected to start but was removed from the lineup shortly before kickoff due to stomach discomfort. He remained on the bench and did not take part in the match.
With this result, Atlético Madrid moved on to the Copa del Rey semifinals, with the remaining matchups set to be decided by a draw scheduled for Friday.
I doubt whether Equi Fernandez will even be called to the NT friendlies leave alone the Finallisma or world cup preliminary list. He doesn’t look convincing at all; passing looks horrendous, defensive contributions not great. Personally I believe maximo perrone should be the superior backup or replacement for paredes Incase of injuries or dip in form. He is more technically gifted and in great form
Almada & Simeone Jr r the only good additions in NT post WC22. While Almada joined WC squad as a replacement & also got few minutes vs Poland, i still view him as a post WC 22 player in terms of the minutes & impact he has created.
IMO Enzo. MacAlister & Alvarez have developed beyond their 22 version. Rest of the squad i feel have remained 1) status quo (Romero, Lautaro ,Licha,Rulli) 2) stagnated ( Emi, Ota, Tagli ) or 3) weakened ( Depaul,Parades, Molina, Montiel & even Messi)
Considering that DiMaria magic is also not there, definitely a worrying scenario if Scaloni is serious about title defense. Neutrally this looks a QF team at best. Fresh blood like Paz, Barco, Panichelli, Senesi should have been injected much earlier.
Alvarez Messi
Barco Mac Enzo Paz
Tagliafico Lisandro Cuti Molina
Emi Martinez