Atlético Madrid delivered a stunning first-half masterclass to thrash Barcelona 4–0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final at the Metropolitano, putting Diego Simeone’s side on the brink of a place in the final with just their second win in 11 meetings against the Catalans.
Barcelona’s defence of the Copa del Rey title is now in serious jeopardy after a disastrous opening 45 minutes in which they were both architects of their own downfall and overwhelmed by Atlético’s ruthless efficiency.
The nightmare began inside seven minutes when a routine back-pass from Eric García to goalkeeper Joan García slipped under the keeper’s foot and rolled into the net for an own goal, handing the hosts an early advantage.
Atlético capitalised on the shaken visitors almost immediately. Antoine Griezmann doubled the lead in the 14th minute with a precise finish after slicing through Barcelona’s rattled defence. The home side continued to dominate through swift transitions and relentless pressing.
In the 33rd minute, Julián Álvarez turned provider, setting up Ademola Lookman, who drilled a low strike into the bottom corner to make it 3–0. Álvarez then capped a devastating first-half display in stoppage time, blasting home a fierce effort to leave Barcelona four goals down at the break.
The Blaugrana’s hopes of mounting a comeback were further dented in the second half by what many observers described as an inexplicable refereeing decision that halted their momentum during their best spell of the match.
Now facing a four-goal deficit, Barcelona must produce one of the most remarkable comebacks in their history when they host Atlético in the second leg. The task is monumental, even for a side known for dramatic turnarounds.
In a vibrant tie at the same stage last season, Barcelona defeated Atlético 5–4 on aggregate to reach the final and eventually lift their 32nd Copa del Rey title. This time, however, they will need to score at least five goals at home to overturn the deficit and keep their hopes of returning to the final alive.
