JEDDAH: A Madrid derby will decide the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Atletico Madrid pulled off a stunning turnaround to beat Barcelona 3-2 in an enthralling game on Thursday, setting up a meeting against city rivals Real Madrid in Sunday’s final of the revamped competition.

Barca looked on course for a Sunday showdown against Real when they led 2-1 with nine minutes left at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium but Atletico’s late revival wrecked tournament organisers’ dream of a ‘Clasico’ showpiece climax between Spain’s most famous sides.

Argentine forward Angel Correa struck the decisive goal in the 86th minute to complete an unlikely late comeback for Atletico after Barca had dominated the second half and had two goals ruled out following VAR reviews.

Substitute Koke had put Atletico in front at the start of the second half but Lionel Messi levelled in the 51st minute. Messi soon put the ball in the net again but his second effort was ruled out for handball following a VAR review.

Former Atletico striker Griezmann did put Barca in front in the 65th while Gerard Pique thought he had extended their lead moments later but that goal was also ruled out after a VAR review, this time for a fractional offside against Arturo Vidal.

Atleti had spent most of the second half trying to stop waves of Barca attacks but got a lifeline when substitute Vitolo was tripped by goalkeeper Neto and striker Alvaro Morata equalised from the penalty spot in the 81st minute.

Stand-in keeper Neto was also at fault for the winning goal, failing to properly block Correa’s shot which bounced into the net to complete a rapid Atleti counterattack.

The in-form Argentine winger had suffered a painful-looking blow to his knee from Neto early in the game and received medical attention on the sidelines but he made a full recovery and went on to deliver one final twist.

“It was a very strange game, it was very hot and it was very tough for us but luckily we were able to turn things around and win,” Correa said. “We got the victory because we had faith, we were always looking to win the game, we did that and we’re very happy.”

Real defeated Valencia 3-1 in the first semi-final at King Abdullah Sports City stadium on Wednesday.

Neither Atletico nor Real would have qualified for the Super Cup under its previous format as a curtain raiser between the La Liga champions and the Copa del Rey winners.

“We deserved it,” Atletico coach Diego Simeone said. “We knew we had to be patient, we were playing against a very good opponent. We had the feeling that if we could tie the game we would eventually win it, and that’s what happened.”

Messi said Barca were guilty of playing like children as he rued his side’s late collapse.

“It’s a shame because we switched off for a few moments and made children’s mistakes,” Messi said. “We should have closed out the match. It’s a blow for us, especially as we were the better team. Our mistakes cost us dearly.

Published in Dawn, January 11th, 2020