The day has arrived and one of the most exciting matches of AL ABTAL INTERNATIONAL CUP has taken place this Wednesday, March 31. The Nou Estadi de Tarragona, home of Gimnàstic de Tarragona, hosted the first semi-final of the tournament.

The match brought together FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid, the excitement was assured. A match in which the tenacity, technique, and high technical level of the two teams has culminated in 90 minutes of tension and good soccer.

At noon, the referee blew the whistle for the start of the match. The “colchonero” team opened the scoreboard in the 21st minute with a goal by David Milán, closing the first half with a 1-0 in favor of Atlético de Madrid. The result would not last long, and in the 52nd minute, Mamadou Saidou from Barcelona scored the equalizer. But there was still a long way to go, and in soccer there is always room for a surprise. In the 67th minute, Alejandro Ginard put Atlético de Madrid ahead again, only for FC Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez to take advantage of a scoring chance six minutes later, scoring the definitive 2-2.

Consequently, the final decision on who would advance to the final of AL ABTAL INTERNATIOANL CUP was left to a thrilling penalty round. The kickers were merciless, and both the Barcelona and Madrid sides were on target with each and every one of their kicks. Except for one: thanks to a spectacular save by Gomis, Atlético de Madrid’s goalkeeper, the Colchonero team achieved one of the most coveted victories of the whole competition.

This way, Atlético de Madrid qualifies for the final of AL ABTAL INTERNATIONAL CUP. The red and white team will face the winner of the second semifinal, held on April 5, which will pit the Saudi Future Falcons “White” against Valencia CF. The final of the tournament will be held on April 7, at the Nou Estadi de Tarragona.