Atlético Madrid stun Barcelona with dominant Copa del Rey semifinal display

First-half blitz puts Atlético firmly in control

Atlético Madrid delivered a stunning performance to defeat Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal at the Metropolitano Stadium. Diego Simeone’s side produced a ruthless first-half display, scoring four unanswered goals to put themselves in a commanding position ahead of the return leg.

Barcelona endured a nightmare opening period, struggling defensively and failing to cope with Atlético’s clinical finishing.

Goalkeeping error gifts Atlético early breakthrough

The hosts took the lead in dramatic fashion following a costly mistake from Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García. Attempting to control a routine back pass from Eric García, the ball slipped under his foot outside the six-yard box.

García desperately tried to recover and keep the ball from crossing the line but was unable to prevent it from going over. Although he managed to swat the ball back into play, Ademola Lookman reacted quickest and finished into the empty net to open the scoring.

Griezmann and Lookman extend the advantage

Atlético doubled their lead just 14 minutes into the match when Antoine Griezmann struck against his former club, capitalising on Barcelona’s defensive uncertainty.

The home side continued to dominate proceedings, and Lookman grabbed his second goal in the 33rd minute, further punishing Barcelona’s fragile backline. Atlético’s relentless pressure paid off again in first-half stoppage time when Julián Álvarez added a fourth goal to cap off a devastating opening 45 minutes.

Barcelona unable to recover as frustration grows

Barcelona improved after the break and managed to prevent further damage, but their attacking efforts brought little reward. Defender Pau Cubarsí briefly thought he had pulled a goal back early in the second half, only for the strike to be ruled out following a lengthy VAR review.

The visitors’ frustrations worsened late in the match when Eric García was shown a red card in the 85th minute for a reckless challenge, leaving Barcelona with an even tougher task heading into the second leg.

Atlético now hold a commanding advantage and are firmly on course to reach the Copa del Rey final following one of their most dominant performances of the season.