BARCELONA, Spain — In a game for the ages, Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona played to a stunning 4-4 draw in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Tuesday night. Eight goals, dramatic momentum swings, and a last-gasp equalizer made for one of the most exhilarating clashes in the storied history of Spanish football.
A match that began as a statement of dominance from Atletico quickly transformed into a showcase of resilience from Barcelona, before ending in utter chaos as the visitors clawed their way back to level terms in the dying moments. With the tie hanging in the balance, all eyes now turn to Madrid, where the second leg promises to be just as explosive.
Atletico’s Lightning Start
Atletico Madrid wasted no time in putting Barcelona under pressure, capitalizing on defensive disorganization within seconds of kickoff. Argentine forward Julián Álvarez stunned the home crowd just 53 seconds into the game, slotting home a close-range finish following a clever assist from Rodrigo De Paul.
The early onslaught continued as Antoine Griezmann, so often the architect of Atletico’s big moments, doubled the lead in the sixth minute with a clinical strike past Marc-André ter Stegen. Barcelona, caught completely off guard, were staring down the barrel of a disastrous opening phase.
Yet, rather than crumble, the hosts rallied.
Barcelona’s Furious Comeback
In response to Atletico’s dominance, Barcelona found their footing and began to turn the tide. Pedri sparked the revival in the 19th minute, gliding through midfield before finishing with composure to make it 2-1.
Momentum swung firmly in Barcelona’s favor, and the equalizer arrived just two minutes later when 17-year-old defender Pau Cubarsí powered in a header from a Raphinha corner. Suddenly, Atletico's early two-goal cushion had evaporated.
Before halftime, the Catalans completed the turnaround. Iñigo Martínez, another aerial threat, rose highest to meet a set-piece delivery and put Barcelona ahead 3-2, sending the home fans into raptures. A first half that started in chaos ended in elation for Hansi Flick’s side.
Second-Half Fireworks
With Barcelona seemingly in control, they extended their lead in the 74th minute when substitute Robert Lewandowski latched onto a pinpoint cross from Lamine Yamal, finishing emphatically to put the hosts 4-2 up.
But Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid are never out of a fight.
Just five minutes later, Marcos Llorente gave the visitors a lifeline with a thunderous strike from outside the box, cutting Barcelona’s lead to 4-3. The warning signs were there—Atletico were still very much alive.
Then, deep into stoppage time, Atletico found their moment. Alexander Sørloth, known for his late-game heroics, rose above the Barcelona defense to head home a dramatic equalizer in the 93rd minute, silencing the home crowd and sending the Atletico bench into wild celebrations.
Managerial Reactions
Hansi Flick, visibly frustrated, lamented his team’s inability to close out the game.
"You cannot concede four goals at home in a cup semifinal and expect to feel comfortable," Flick said. "We did so much right to recover from the early goals, but we lost control in the final moments. That is something we must correct for the second leg."
For Diego Simeone, it was a testament to Atletico’s never-say-die attitude.
"This team never gives up," Simeone stated. "We started brilliantly, then lost our way, but in the end, we showed character. It’s still an open tie, and we’ll take this fight back to Madrid."
A Final Awaiting the Victor
With the 4-4 draw setting up a decisive second leg at the Metropolitano Stadium on April 2, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A place in the Copa del Rey final hangs in the balance, and neither side will want to relinquish their shot at silverware.
Barcelona will need to shore up their defensive vulnerabilities, while Atletico will be buoyed by their ability to claw their way back from a two-goal deficit. One thing is certain—if the second leg is anything like the first, football fans are in for another unforgettable night.