Celta Clinch Copa del Rey Semi

Celta Vigo eliminated Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals with a 3-2 victory at the Vicente Calderón.

Pablo Hernández scored twice as Celta upset Atlético, who had lost only once in their previous 24 games, to reach the semi-final.

Following a goalless draw in the first leg, the Atlético coach, Diego Simeone, again left striker Jackson Martínez on the bench with Luciano Vietto partnering Antoine Griezmann in attack. Both sides have struggled for goals in recent games – Atlético’s 0-0 draw with Sevilla on Sunday cost them the lead in La Liga.

Atlético’s Koke struck an early shot just wide and Saúl Ñíguez had an effort saved by Ruben Blanco before Celta took a surprise lead with Hernández given space to head in a Fabian Orellana cross.

Griezmann slotted home after a Yannick Carrasco shot was parried into his path by Blanco but Celta took charge of the match at the start of the second half.

Saúl gave the ball away to John Guidetti who powered home a 25-metre drive and Correa struck the crossbar at the other end before Hernández got his second with a header from Hugo Mallo’s cross.

Correa finished clinically after a fine run to make it 3-2 but Celta held out, despite being pinned back in the closing stages, to reach the semi-final of the cup for the first time in 15 years.

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Barcelona Outscore Celta Vigo

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Lionel Messi could not get a goal to mark the birth of his first son but Barcelona took the points in a straightforward 3-1 victory over Celta Vigo.

Three goals in the space of five minutes sparked the first half into life after the 20-minute mark as Adriano and David Villa scored either side of Mario Bermejo's strike.

Jordi Alba wrapped up the win just after the hour mark.

There was doubt as to whether Messi would play after the birth of Thiago on Friday, but he was there to inspire his side during early one-way traffic.

Cesc Fabregas had the first crack at goal in the second minute but sent his shot over, and Andres Iniesta then did likewise.

Iago Aspas fired wide for the visitors but Victor Valdes was hardly troubled in the Barca goal.

Messi then went close twice in quick succession, his first effort from close range held by Javi Varas before the goalkeeper pushed another one away from danger moments later.

Aspas brought a save out of Valdes in the 19th minute but Barca soon took the lead.

The breakthrough came when Pedro crossed from the right for Adriano to slot home.

Celta Vigo's reply was immediate, with Valdes unable to hold Fernandez Augusto's shot and Bermejo sweeping home the rebound.

But just as quickly as Celta equalised, Barca retook the lead, with Iniesta's pass finding Villa for the finish.

Goalscorer Adriano then limped off injured to be replaced by Dani Alves, and after the flurry of activity, both teams held station until the break.

Fabregas was replaced by Marc Bartra at the break as Barca made their second change, but they were slow to get back into rhythm.

Aspas sent a free-kick straight at Valdes in the 56th minute but it was not until the hour mark that Barca launched a meaningful attack.

Crucially, however, they scored. Villa turned provider to play the ball through for Jordi Alba to score from close range.

Barca seemed content at that, and other than a Pedro shot that flashed wide from the edge of the area, they rarely threatened to score again.

Roberto Lago fired over for Celta with 10 minutes left, but Barca saw the game out in comfort.

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