FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid delivered one of the most thrilling matches of the Copa del Rey's recent history during their semifinal first leg at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, which ended in a dramatic 4-4 draw.
Both teams showcased their quality and determination, with Barcelona coming from behind twice to level the score against their bitter rivals. The match kicked off at 17:30 (local time), with stadium filled to the brim with excited fans eager to witness the clash of two La Liga giants.
The encounter started at high pace, with Julián Álvarez opening the scoring for Atlético Madrid just two minutes after kickoff. The young forward capitalized on a corner kick to slam the ball home, giving the visitors an early lead.
Antoine Griezmann doubled the Atlético advantage just minutes later, scoring from close range after evading Barcelona’s defenders. At this point, many fans feared the match could become one-sided as Barcelona struggled to find their footing.
Despite the shaky start, the Catalan giants soon settled down and began to exert pressure on Atlético’s defense. Their persistence paid off when Pedri found the net, bringing Barcelona within one goal by finishing off a quick attacking move. Pau Cubarsí then leveled the match in the 21st minute with another well-placed header, showcasing Barcelona's aerial prowess.
The teams exchanged jabs, with Barcelona dominating possession but Atlético showcasing their counterattacking skills. Iñigo Martínez put Barcelona ahead for the first time, heading home from yet another corner, resulting from sustained pressure from the home team.
Barcelona's lead didn't last long, as Marcos Llorente thundered home from outside the box late in the match, making it 4-3. With mere minutes remaining, the match took yet another twist: Atlético’s Alexander Sorloth pushed the ball past Wojciech Szczęsny deep within stoppage time, securing the late equalizer.
After the match, both managers expressed their mixed feelings about the result. Hansi Flick, Barcelona's coach, remarked on the resilience shown by his players. “We’ve demonstrated we can fight back and play at our best level, but it’s disheartening to drop points at this stage after controlling large portions of the game,” Flick stated.
Diego Simeone, his Atlético counterpart, praised his team's spirit. “We showed we can play fiercely and composed against such quality opposition. It’s imperative we take this momentum to Madrid for the second leg,” Simeone noted, highlighting the challenges his squad faces with important players sidelined.
Stats from the match reflect both teams’ attack styles; Barcelona held 63% possession and outshot their rivals 18-11, yet Atletico's efficiency was on full display as they capitalized on set pieces and counters.
The return leg is set to take place at the Metropolitano Stadium on April 2, where both teams hope to gain the upper hand and secure their spot in the Copa del Rey final. Barcelona will need to work on defensive organization, especially against the direct play of Atlético, who will likely set the tone early, hoping for their distinct advantage at home.
Fans eagerly await the next chapter of this rivalry, with both teams poised for what promises to be another exhilarating match. The Copa del Rey continues to deliver excitement and high drama as the semifinals progress.