Barcelona and Atletico Madrid faced off on February 25, 2025, delivering one of the most thrilling encounters of the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg, which ended dramatically at 4-4.
The match, held at the Olympic Stadium of Luis Companies, saw Atletico Madrid take the early lead with two quick goals. Julian Alvarez opened the scoring just one minute in, followed by Antoine Griezmann finding the net at the six-minute mark, putting the guests firmly in command.
But the match showcased Barcelona's tenacity. They quickly regrouped after conceding those early goals, marking their comeback with goals from their young star Pedri at the 19th minute and Pau Kubarci just two minutes later. Their spirited response turned the tide of the game.
The first half continued with high intensity, with Barcelona taking the lead for the first time by the 41st minute. A well-timed cross allowed Iñigo Martinez to find the back of the net, sending the home fans erupting.
After halftime, the match remained explosive. Robert Lewandowski added to Barcelona's tally at the 74th minute, seemingly putting them safely up with a 4-2 advantage. It appeared the hosts would walk away with the victory.
Yet, Atletico Madrid had other plans. Demonstrative of their fighting spirit, they pushed back late. Marcos Llorente struck with less than seven minutes remaining, reducing the deficit. The crescendo reached its peak when Alexander Sörlot scored during stoppage time, equalizing at 4-4 and leaving fans on both sides buzzing.
This nail-biting finish has set up the stage for the second leg of the semifinal, scheduled for April 2, 2025, where both teams will vie for supremacy and a place in the Copa del Rey final. Recent stats highlight Barcelona's powerful start to 2025, remaining undefeated, but Atletico's resilience poses a significant challenge moving forward.
With exciting football dynamics at play, the upcoming match promises to be just as thrilling, as both teams bring their battling spirits to the pitch once again. Tickets are expected to sell out rapidly as fans anticipate yet another unforgettable clash.