Atletico Madrid stunned Barcelona with a 4-0 win in the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg at Metropolitano Stadium on Thursday. The home side scored all goals in the first half. This result put Atletico in a strong position for the return leg on March 3.
Early Own Goal Sets the Tone
Barcelona defender Eric Garcia scored an own goal in the sixth minute. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia failed to control Garcia’s backpass. Meanwhile the ball rolled under his foot and crossed the line.
Ademola Lookman, Atletico’s forward, tapped it in after officials confirmed the goal. Moreover Atletico gained early momentum. Barcelona struggled to respond.
Griezmann Doubles the Lead
Antoine Griezmann, Atletico’s forward, scored the second goal in the 14th minute. Nahuel Molina assisted with a precise pass. Griezmann curled the ball into the net against his former club. Barcelona’s defense faltered again. In addition, Atletico controlled possession and created more chances.
Lookman and Alvarez Seal the Win
Ademola Lookman scored the third goal in the 33rd minute. Julian Alvarez provided the assist after Giuliano Simeone’s run down the right. Lookman drove the ball home.
Then Julian Alvarez, Atletico’s striker, added the fourth in stoppage time. Lookman assisted with a layoff. Meanwhile Alvarez fired a powerful shot past Joan Garcia.
Barcelona’s Second-Half Struggles
Barcelona pushed back in the second half. Pau Cubarsi scored but officials disallowed it after an eight-minute VAR check for offside. Moreover Eric Garcia received a red card in the 85th minute for fouling a breaking player.
Reactions from the Match
BBC Sport reporter Elizabeth Conway noted the dominance. She said, “The sheer dominance of Atletico’s attacking play and Barcelona’s inability to convert their chances is something we’re simply not used to seeing.”
Additionally Conway praised Lookman. She stated, “It’s hard to believe this was only his third game for Atletico with the way he played today.”
Diego Simeone, Atletico’s manager, celebrated wildly on the sideline. Conway described him as “desperate for his team to keep a clean sheet.” This defeat marked Barcelona’s joint worst loss to Atletico. Barcelona now faces a tough challenge in the return leg.
