FC Barcelona faced Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening, clashing in the semifinals of the Copa del Rey. The match promised excitement, especially for Barcelona, who was determined to avenge their recent league defeat against the same opponents.
The contest kicked off dramatically, with the visitors taking the lead just one minute in. Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez scored from close range after receiving a precise header from Antoine Griezmann following a corner. Before the home fans could fully settle, the score doubled to 2-0 as Griezmann found the net himself after receiving another assist from Alvarez.
Despite the shocking start, Barcelona quickly responded. By the 20th minute, Pedri netted the first goal for the home team, finishing off a fine pass from Jules Kounde. Just two minutes later, Pau Cubarsi equalized with a powerful header from another set piece, taking advantage of Atletico's momentary lapse.
Determined not to let their early lead slip, Atletico continued to press for dominance. Yet, Barcelona managed to seize the momentum before the halftime whistle. Defender Iñigo Martinez scored following a well-placed corner by Raphinha, sending the teams to the break with Barcelona leading 3-2.
The second half saw substitutions, with Robert Lewandowski entering the fray, eager to make his mark. His arrival proved pivotal, as he scored Barcelona's fourth goal at the 75-minute mark, converting expertly after Lamine Yamal's brilliant setup.
But the contest remained fiercely contested. Atletico fought back, and their efforts bore fruit when Marcos Llorente scored late, narrowing the margin to 4-3. Just before the final whistle, Alexander Sørloth managed to equalize for Atletico, sealing the thrilling match at 4-4. This result sets up a highly anticipated second leg on April 14, where both teams will be eager to secure their place in the final.
FC Barcelona's manager, Xavi, expressed mixed feelings about the draw. "It was important for us to show resilience after falling behind so quickly, but we also need to focus on defending set pieces more effectively," he noted after the match. Atletico's Diego Simeone, on the other hand, praised his team’s fighting spirit, stating, "We showed our character by coming back late. It's going to be a tough return leg, and we know we have the quality to challenge Barcelona again."
The match clearly highlighted the stakes and excitement typical of Copa del Rey semifinal fixtures. Barcelona will need to analyze their defensive strategies, particularly after conceding four goals, to avoid similar issues when they visit Atletico for the return leg. The dynamic atmosphere at Camp Nou, combined with the talents on display, kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the encounter.
This thrilling semifinal encounter serves as another chapter in the storied rivalry between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, with much more to come as they prepare to meet again next month.