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IT'S NOT GRIEZY

Atletico 1 Barcelona 2: Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi’s stunning strikes give holders huge first-leg advantage

Antoine Griezmann keeps tie alive with second-half header but Barca stand firm ahead of replay

LUIS SUAREZ and Lionel Messi scored two sensational goals as holders Barcelona put one foot in the Copa del Rey final.

But Antoine Griezmann’s second-half header handed Diego Simeone’s side a lifeline ahead of the second-leg at the Nou Camp.

Luis Suarez celebrates his wonderful goal with just seven minutes on the clock
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Luis Suarez celebrates his wonderful goal with just seven minutes on the clockCredit: Reuters

The Catalan giants needed just seven minutes to take the lead thanks to an unbelievable individual effort from Suarez.

Picking up the ball in his own half, the ex-Liverpool man needed just four touches before the back of the net was rippling.

He drove at the two centre-backs, poked the ball in-between the duo before sprinting around Sebastian Savic leaving the former Manchester City defender and Diego Godin for dead.

The Uruguayan needed just four touches when he picked up the ball before slotting home
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The Uruguayan needed just four touches when he picked up the ball before slotting homeCredit: Reuters

His third touch took him into the box before he used his right foot to slot past the keeper. It was a goal worthy of winning any cup semi-final.

Atletico soon settled and were controlling most of the possession but the threat of Barcelona’s blistering counter attacks were causing havoc in the home side’s defence.

But with 32 minutes on the clock, Messi was gifted a yard of space and the score-line was suddenly doubled.

Lionel Messi doubled Barcelona's advantage with a screamer in the first-half
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Lionel Messi doubled Barcelona's advantage with a screamer in the first-halfCredit: Reuters
Antoine Griezmann grabbed his goal but will look to get on the scoresheet again at the Nou Camp
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Antoine Griezmann grabbed his goal but will look to get on the scoresheet again at the Nou CampCredit: Getty Images

He played exchanged passes with Ivan Rakitic before unleashing a thunderous effort from 25-yards leaving the keeper with no chance.

Atletico came out fighting in the second half and Fernando Torres’ introduction almost made an instant impact. Koke played a delicate backheel through to the Spaniard and just as he was about to pull the trigger, the defender came across and deflected his shot out for a corner.

And with 30 minutes left on the clock, Antoine Griezmann scored the simplest of goals to bring Atletico right back into the tie.

Antoine Griezmann leaped highest to fire Atletico Madrid back into the tie
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Antoine Griezmann leaped highest to fire Atletico Madrid back into the tieCredit: Getty Images
Diego Simeone was doing his best to encourage his side to find an equaliser
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Diego Simeone was doing his best to encourage his side to find an equaliserCredit: Getty Images

A long ball forward from a free-kick was headed back across goal from Godin and Griezmann climbed highest to head home.

The goal sparked wild celebrations on the touchline led by the animated Simeone as he tried to encourage his players to find an equaliser.

Two managers will meet again in the second-leg at the Nou Camp
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Two managers will meet again in the second-leg at the Nou CampCredit: Getty Images

But it was Messi who could have put the tie to bed when his free-kick was superbly saved by Moya.

As the home side piled men forward, Griezmann came within inches of equalising in the dying embers when his strike whilst past the post.

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