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Two sent off, boot thrown at ref as Barcelona dump Atletico out of Copa

Barcelona produced a superb performance to defeat Atletico Madrid 3-2 and reach the Copa del Rey semifinals in an amazing tie.Fernando Torres opened the scoring for the hosts in the first minute with a low strike that went in off the post from 20 yards out but Barca were back on level terms within 10 minutes when Lionel Messi linked up with Luis Suarez to put Neymar through.

Raul Garcia edged Atletico back in front with a 30th minute penalty before an own goal by Miranda (38og) and second score for Neymar (41) gave Barca the lead.

Atletico midfielder Gabi was sent off in the 45th minute, and following the restart Arda Turan was booked after throwing his boot in the direction of an official after not winning a foul as the contest hotted up.

Mario Suarez also saw red six minutes before the final whistle after his second bookable offence, with Atletico unable to find a late equaliser on the night.

It meant Barca progressed 4-2 on aggregate, following a 1-0 win in last week's first leg at the Nou Camp.

Barca coach Luis Enrique remarked afterwards: "I was happy with my whole team, even with the way they recovered from such a strange situation in the first minute. Despite all the difficulties of playing here, we managed to find spaces. I am very pleased with their display against a top level team.

"There are good and bad moments over the course of a season. This is a very good one. We are confident and getting results. All positive results are a boost for our confidence."

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