The first leg of the Copa del Rey semi final between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid delivered a breathtaking spectacle at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, as both teams played out an electrifying 4-4 draw. In a match filled with drama, stunning goals, and momentum swings, neither side could claim a decisive advantage heading into the second leg at the Metropolitano in early April.
A Stunning Start from Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid came into the match with confidence, having already beaten Barcelona in La Liga earlier in the season. Their intent was clear from the opening seconds, as they launched a relentless attacking start that caught Barcelona completely off guard.
Inside the very first minute, Julian Alvarez forced a spectacular save from Wojciech Szczesny with a powerful header. However, from the resulting corner, the Argentine forward found the breakthrough. Clement Lenglet, on loan from Barcelona to Atletico, flicked the ball on, and Alvarez was at the back post to steer it past Szczesny, giving Diego Simeone’s side a dream start.
Barely five minutes later, Atletico doubled their lead. Alvarez, proving instrumental once again, won the ball back in his own half before surging forward and slipping a precise pass to Antoine Griezmann. The French forward, facing his former club, shrugged off Alejandro Balde’s challenge and kept his composure to fire the ball into the bottom corner, making it 2-0 inside six minutes.
Barcelona were stunned. Their high defensive line had been ruthlessly exposed, and the home fans were in disbelief. Atletico’s aggressive pressing and quick transitions had left Xavi’s men reeling. However, the Catalan side soon regrouped and produced a remarkable response.
Barcelona’s Swift Comeback
Despite Atletico’s strong start, Barcelona refused to be overwhelmed. They quickly regained their composure and began to assert control.
In the 19th minute, Jules Kounde delivered a precise cutback into the box, where Pedri was waiting to apply a clinical finish from close range. That goal reignited the home side’s belief, and just two minutes later, they were level.
From a well delivered Raphinha corner, teenage defender Pau Cubarsi rose highest and outmuscled Pablo Barrios to head the ball past Juan Musso. At 2-2, Barcelona had restored parity in dramatic fashion, and Atletico suddenly found themselves on the back foot.
The turnaround was complete just before halftime. Another pinpoint corner from Raphinha found the unmarked Inigo Martinez, who guided his header into the net to give Barcelona a 3-2 lead. In the space of 20 minutes, the hosts had gone from 0-2 down to 3-2 up, leaving Atletico Madrid shell shocked.
Barcelona nearly extended their lead before the break, with Alejandro Balde, Lamine Yamal, and Dani Olmo all coming close, but Atletico managed to hold on and regroup at halftime.
A More Cautious Second Half, but More Drama Late On
After an explosive first half, the second period began with a more measured approach from both sides. Atletico Madrid looked to regain some control, while Barcelona aimed to manage their lead.
Early in the second half, Antoine Griezmann almost leveled the score for Atletico, but Szczesny made an excellent low save to deny him. The match then settled into a more balanced rhythm, with both teams making tactical substitutions to maintain energy levels.
Barcelona eventually found their fourth goal in the 74th minute. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal produced a moment of magic on the wing, weaving past defenders before delivering a perfect cross to Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker, who had only been on the pitch for six minutes, made no mistake from close range, finishing with ease to make it 4-2.
At that point, Barcelona seemed to have secured a vital advantage, but Atletico Madrid had other ideas.
Atletico’s Late Fightback Stuns Barcelona
With six minutes left in regulation time, Atletico Madrid clawed their way back into the contest. Angel Correa found Marcos Llorente on the edge of the box, and the midfielder drilled a precise shot into the bottom corner, reducing the deficit to 4-3.
Barcelona were suddenly under pressure, and Atletico sensed an opportunity. Deep into stoppage time, their persistence paid off. Samuel Lino played a smart pass to Alexander Sorloth, who kept his composure to fire past Szczesny and level the game at 4-4.
The away dugout erupted in celebration, while Barcelona players were left stunned, having surrendered a two goal lead in the closing minutes.
What This Result Means for Both Teams
Atletico Madrid will be the happier of the two sides, given the way the match unfolded. At one stage, they were in control with a 2-0 lead, but after conceding four goals, they showed great resilience to fight back and earn a draw. The result leaves them in a strong position ahead of the second leg at the Metropolitano, where they will have home advantage.
For Barcelona, this result will feel like a missed opportunity. After staging an incredible first half comeback and then extending their lead to 4-2, they were in complete control. However, defensive lapses and Atletico’s relentless determination cost them dearly. Xavi will be frustrated by his team’s inability to see out the game, and he will know that they must win in Madrid to secure a place in the final.
Looking Ahead to the Second Leg
With the tie perfectly poised at 4-4, the second leg promises to be another thrilling encounter. Atletico Madrid will look to capitalize on their home support and the momentum gained from their late equalizer. Meanwhile, Barcelona must regroup and find a way to break down Simeone’s well organized side if they want to keep their Copa del Rey hopes alive.
Both teams have already shown their attacking prowess, and if the first leg was anything to go by, fans can expect another high scoring affair. With a place in the final on the line, neither side can afford to hold back.
As the dust settles on an unforgettable night in Montjuic, one thing is certain this Copa del Rey semi final is far from over. The battle now moves to Madrid, where Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will once again go head to head in search of a spot in the final.
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