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Copa del Rey

Feb 1, 2017 4:49:34 PM

The South American duo did the damage in the first half with two fine goals, before Antoine Griezmann gave his side a glimmer of hope after the break

Barcelona took a big step towards another Copa del Rey final with a 2-1 first-leg victory against Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon.

First-half strikes from Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez secured the victory that puts the holders in control of the semi-final ahead of the return match at Camp Nou next Tuesday.

Diego Simeone's side have had success against Barca in recent years with a devastating counterattacking style, but they were on the receiving end of the same tactic early in the first half and were punished by a brilliant run and finish from Suarez with only seven minutes played.