The Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys became the backdrop for what can only be described as one of the most thrilling encounters in recent Copa del Rey history, as FC Barcelona faced Atlético de Madrid. This semifinal match saw Barcelona claw their way back from a two-goal deficit to finish the first leg with a dramatic 4-4 draw.
It was the visitors, Atlético Madrid, who got off to a flying start. Just six minutes after the kickoff, Antoine Griezmann scored the first goal of the match after capitalizing on two defensive errors from the home side, making it 1-0 for the colchoneros. Rodrigo de Paul intercepted a pass to launch the counter-attack, allowing Griezmann to find the back of the net with ease. Shortly after, the situation escalated as Julian Alvarez quickly doubled Atlético's advantage, firing home from close range, leaving Barcelona's fans stunned (0-2).
Head coach Hansi Flick was visibly frustrated on the sidelines, removed his jacket, and watched as his team struggled to find their footing. It wasn’t until the 19th minute when Barcelona finally got on the scoreboard—Pedri netted from close range, and the tide seemed to turn from there.
Just two minutes later, teenager Pau Cubarsí had everyone talking. The 18-year-old marked his debut with his first goal for the first team, bringing Barcelona level at 2-2 with his header from Raphinha's corner kick. This moment not only highlighted his potential but also ignited the Montjuïc crowd, rallying the home team as they sought to overturn the early onslaught from Atlético.
Eager to minimize their mistakes and reestablish control, Barcelona didn’t stop at just equalizing. They pressed on, and defender Iñigo Martínez turned the game on its head by scoring again just before halftime, putting Barcelona 3-2 up. The rollercoaster of emotions continued as Robert Lewandowski added yet another goal to extend Barcelona’s lead to 4-2.
Atlético, facing what seemed to be insurmountable odds, showed remarkable resilience. They clawed back to equalize the match with late goals from Marcos Llorente and Alexander Sorloth, ensuring the tie remained wide open for the second leg at the Wanda Metropolitano. This back-and-forth nature of the match had fans on the edge of their seats, as each side displayed remarkable offensive talent.
Given the on-pitch drama, this match also showcased the strategic shifts between both coaches. Simeone's tactical substitutions aimed to shake up the flow of play, even opting for his now-trademark tracksuit for the Cup competition—a break from his usual formal attire, indicating both superstition and pragmatism. His calm demeanor juxtaposed against Flick's fervent energy reflected the high stakes leading up to the finale.
The first leg's draw sets the stage for the decider, with all to play for. This matchup not only promises to be yet another electrifying installment of their storied rivalry but also brings with it questions of stamina and strategy for both squads leading up to their potential confrontation with their respective upcoming Champions League matches.
With the next leg scheduled, fans can look forward to another gripping clash between these two La Liga giants. Who will seize the moment and move on to vie for the prestigious Copa del Rey title? For now, both teams are left to ponder the lessons learned from this thrilling battle, balancing their ambitions with the realities of competition.