Diego Simeone puts Ernesto Valverde's career on the line

Atletico Madrid defeated Barcelona 3-2 and booked their place in the semi-final of the Supercopa de Espana. The Blaugrana were unlucky as two of their goals were ruled out by VAR, however, los Rojiblancos wouldn't mind that as they are in the last stage of the competition.

The first half witnessed quite a few yellow cards until Koke scored with the help of an assist from Angel Correa. Koke proved to be a super-sub, scoring within the moment he was brought on the pitch. Just after five minutes, Lionel Messi stepped up and scored a right-footed banger to bring back the game from where it was started.

VAR played a very crucial role and we can say that it decided the result of this game. Just three minutes after the first goal, Messi completed a brace but the goal was ruled out by VAR as the ball touched Leo's hand. 

This incident, however, couldn't keep Barcelona quiet and just three minutes later after the VAR drama, Antoine Griezmann found the back of the net putting the Blaugrana in the lead. This wasn't the end of drama as once again VAR stepped in and ruled out Gerard Pique's goal as the defender was offside.

Atletico realized that the match could go out of their way and they started pressing high. The change rattled Barcelona resulted and Arturo Vidal and Norberto Neto received yellow cards. The latter one led to a penalty which was scored by Alvaro Morata.

The match saw its final goal involving  Angel Correa and Morata again as the Spaniard played a lovely through ball that penetrated the Barcelona defence. Correa's calm finish sealed the win for Atletico.

Barcelona tried their best, brought Ansu Fati and Ivan Rakitic on to the pitch, but it was too late to get the match back in their favor. With this loss, Ernesto Valverde's future is under scrutiny and it won't be a surprise if he is sacked from his job soon.

Atletico Madrid will now play Real Madrid in the final of the Super Cup on 12th January at King Abdullah Stadium, Saudi Arabia. A Madrid derby that will hopefully be a neck to neck encounter .

Featured image credits- standard.co.uk