In a breathtaking Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid played out an unforgettable 4-4 draw at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The match had everything—early goals, defensive errors, moments of brilliance, and a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer from Alexander Sorloth, ensuring the tie remains perfectly balanced ahead of the second leg on April 2.
A Lightning-Fast Start from Atletico.
Atletico Madrid, under Diego Simeone, came into this game knowing they had a brutal schedule ahead. With three games against Barcelona and a Champions League last-16 tie against Real Madrid looming, they could have opted for a more cautious approach. Instead, they flew out of the blocks with an electrifying start that stunned the home crowd.
Just 43 seconds into the match, Julian Alvarez capitalized on a flicked cross from Antoine Griezmann to slot home at the back post, handing Atletico an instant lead. Barcelona barely had time to react before they found themselves two goals down in the sixth minute. Jules Koundé, usually so composed in possession, carelessly gave the ball away, allowing Alvarez to thread a perfect pass to Griezmann. The French forward, under pressure from Alejandro Balde, managed to create just enough space for a shot that Wojciech Szczęsny got a hand to but couldn't keep out.
With a 2-0 lead inside six minutes, Atletico looked in complete control. Their aggressive pressing and clinical finishing suggested Barcelona could be in for a long night.
Barcelona's Response: A Fightback for the Ages.
Despite the early setback, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona showed incredible resilience. The Catalans began dominating possession, moving the ball with purpose and pressing higher up the pitch.
Ferran Torres, starting in place of the benched Robert Lewandowski, had a golden opportunity to halve the deficit when Raphinha played him through on goal. However, his shot lacked conviction, allowing Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso to make an easy save.
Barcelona continued to pile on the pressure, and in the 19th minute, they finally found a breakthrough. Koundé, looking to redeem himself after his earlier mistake, provided a clever pass to Pedri, who slotted the ball past Musso to make it 2-1.
The momentum had shifted, and Barcelona struck again just two minutes later. Raphinha delivered a precise corner, and 17-year-old defender Pau Cubarsí rose highest to nod home the equalizer. The Estadi Olímpic erupted as Barcelona completed their stunning comeback in just 120 seconds.
With Atletico rattled, Barcelona pushed for a third. Torres, desperate to make amends for his earlier miss, rounded Musso but failed to get his shot past Clement Lenglet, who intervened with a crucial block.
Set-Piece Brilliance Gives Barca the Lead.
Barcelona’s attacking intensity continued, and they took the lead just before halftime. Raphinha, already with one assist to his name, swung in another pinpoint corner, this time finding the head of Iñigo Martínez. The former Athletic Club defender powered his header past Musso, giving Barcelona a 3-2 lead at the break.
After conceding twice in the opening six minutes, Barcelona had flipped the game on its head in remarkable fashion, scoring three unanswered goals and taking control of the tie.
Second-Half Drama: Lewandowski Adds to Barcelona’s Lead.
The second half started with Atletico Madrid attempting to regain their footing. Griezmann forced Szczęsny into a fine save, while Alexander Sorloth had a goal disallowed for offside.
Barcelona, however, continued to dictate proceedings. In the 74th minute, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal produced a moment of magic. The 16-year-old winger skipped past Reinildo Mandava with ease before squaring the ball for Lewandowski, who tapped home from close range.
At 4-2, Barcelona appeared to have secured a commanding advantage heading into the second leg. However, Atletico Madrid had other ideas.
Atletico’s Late Comeback: Llorente and Sorloth Strike.
With six minutes left on the clock, Marcos Llorente reignited Atletico’s hopes. Angel Correa’s hopeful cutback found Llorente in space on the edge of the box, and the midfielder fired a low shot past Szczęsny to make it 4-3.
The goal visibly shook Barcelona, who had been in total control. Atletico sensed an opportunity and threw everything forward in search of an equalizer.
Then, in the 93rd minute, Sorloth delivered the final twist in this unforgettable contest. Samuel Lino made a driving run down the left before delivering a perfect low cross to the Norwegian striker. Sorloth, who has developed a habit of scoring late goals against Barcelona, tapped home from close range, sending the Atletico bench into wild celebrations.
The match ended 4-4, leaving the tie delicately poised ahead of the second leg at the Metropolitano on April 2.
Key Takeaways from a Historic Encounter.
Barcelona’s Defensive Frailties Exposed
Despite their attacking brilliance, Barcelona’s defensive lapses remain a major concern. Conceding twice in the first six minutes was a shocking start, and their inability to see out the game after leading 4-2 will frustrate Hansi Flick. If they are to progress to the final, they must shore up their defense in the return leg.
Atletico’s Never-Say-Die Attitude.
Diego Simeone’s side showed incredible resilience, fighting back from both 2-0 and 4-2 down to earn a draw. This determination has been a hallmark of Atletico under Simeone, and it could be the key to overcoming Barcelona in the second leg.
Lamine Yamal’s Growing Influence.
At just 16, Yamal continues to impress on the biggest stages. His dazzling dribble and assist for Lewandowski’s goal highlighted his immense potential. If Barcelona are to succeed in Madrid, the youngster could play a crucial role.
Alexander Sorloth: Barca’s Nemesis.
Sorloth’s 93rd-minute strike was his third stoppage-time goal against Barcelona in all competitions. The Norwegian has developed a habit of delivering when it matters most, and his presence will be a major threat in the return leg.
Looking Ahead to the Second Leg.
With the tie level at 4-4, everything is to play for in the second leg on April 2 at the Metropolitano Stadium. Atletico Madrid will have the home advantage, but Barcelona’s attacking firepower means they will still fancy their chances.
Both sides will need to manage their hectic schedules before the decisive clash. Atletico must juggle La Liga commitments and a Champions League tie against Real Madrid, while Barcelona will be focused on maintaining their title challenge.
If the second leg is anything like the first, football fans are in for another thrilling spectacle.
