Barcelona and Atletico Madrid faced off on February 25, 2025, at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys for the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal, and what transpired was nothing short of sensational. The match ended dramatically as both teams shared the spoils in a thrilling 4-4 draw, making it one of the standout encounters of the season.
The game kicked off with Atletico Madrid taking the lead nearly immediately. Just 50 seconds had ticked off the clock when Julian Alvarez scored, prodding home from close range after Antoine Griezmann's cross was expertly flicked on by Clement Lenglet. The early shock barely settled when just five minutes later, Alvarez turned provider, winning the ball deep and threading it through to Griezmann, who finished clinically to put Atletico up 2-0. The atmosphere was electric, but it had many Barcelona fans fearing the worst.
Yet the Catalans are nothing if not resilient. With the crowd urging them on, the team composed themselves and launched their comeback. It took only 15 minutes for them to strike back. Pedri showcased his talent, slotting home after receiving a cutback from Jules Kounde. Barcelona's confidence surged, and two minutes later, they were level. Pau Cubarsi nodded home from Raphinha's corner, marking his first Barcelona goal and scoring the second for the home side within three minutes of Pedri's strike.
Barcelona wasn't done there. They completed their remarkable comeback when Iñigo Martinez headed home another corner from Raphinha just before halftime, completing the turnaround to give the home side a 3-2 lead. The first half ended with the hosts firmly on the front foot, controlling play, and unsettling Atletico Madrid's defense.
After the break, Atletico came out with renewed vigor, pushing for an equalizer but found themselves at the mercy of Barcelona's relentless pressing. Lamine Yamal drove the offensive, and it was his dazzling dribble down the right flank followed by an assist to Robert Lewandowski—who tapped the ball home for Barcelona's fourth goal—that seemed to secure their advantage. The thrill of the game had subsided for many, and victory seemed assured.
But the drama was far from over. Atletico, faced with relinquishing their title hopes, pushed back. Marcos Llorente grabbed one back for the visitors with just six minutes remaining, igniting hopes for the final moments. And then, summoning the spirit of true competitors, Alexander Sorloth delivered the knockout blow—a powerful finish deep in stoppage time, securing the equalizer and leaving the final score hanging precariously at 4-4.
"It's a terrible result when you go 4-2 up ... you have to be more careful, these are things we have to learn," reflected Pedri after the match, acknowledging the lessons and maturity the squad needs as they prepare for the return fixture. "Today we started badly but I'll focus on how the team reacted. When we got in front, we have to be calmer... it will be difficult (the second leg) but we will try to win," he added, presenting faith for his side’s progression.
Julian Alvarez expressed excitement at the game's unpredictability: "It was crazy, with so many goals, we knew it wouldn't be easy against one of the best teams in Europe, they've proven as much." The heated battle not only showcases their storied rivalry but has set up for what promises to be another edge-of-the-seat encounter for the return leg scheduled for April 2 at the Metropolitano Stadium.
For Barcelona, whether they can maintain composure and finish decisively will be pivotal. Atletico leave with the confidence of having shown resilience, having come back from behind again—echoing their historic tenacity. Both teams are gaining momentum at just the right time; with numerous clashes still on the horizon, the excitement of this Copa del Rey semifinal only adds to the allure.