Intro
Four first-half goals leave Barca facing uphill battle in return leg
Madrid
Atletico Madrid delivered a stunning performance to thrash Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, leaving the holders in a precarious position ahead of the return match at Camp Nou.
The damage was done inside the opening 45 minutes. A shocking early error by Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia allowed Atletico Madrid to open the scoring in the sixth minute, when a routine back pass from Eric Garcia slipped through his feet and over the line. Eight minutes later, Antoine Griezmann doubled the lead, finishing a slick move involving Ademola Lookman, Julian Alvarez, and Nahuel Molina.
Atletico continued to exploit Barcelona’s defensive lapses, with Lookman scoring the third goal after a cross from Giuliano Simeone, and Alvarez adding a fourth just before halftime following another fluid combination with Lookman. Despite dominating possession with 70%, Barcelona failed to convert opportunities, with Juan Musso keeping the visitors at bay.
Late drama saw substitute Alex Baena denied a fifth goal after being fouled by Garcia, who received a straight red card following VAR review. Defender Marcos Llorente praised his team’s clinical execution, high pressing, and composure.
With this commanding advantage, Atletico are now on the brink of reaching the Copa del Rey final, where they will face either Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao.
