Image: The Associated Press
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid put on a thrilling show in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals, ending in a dramatic 4-4 draw on Tuesday. Both teams fought back from two-goal deficits in a match full of twists and late drama.
Atletico had a dream start, scoring twice in the opening six minutes. Julián Álvarez struck in the first minute, and Antoine Griezmann doubled the lead moments later. However, Barcelona quickly responded, leveling the score by the 21st minute. Pedri pulled one back before Pau Cubarsí netted the equalizer just two minutes later.
The hosts took control before halftime when Iñigo Martínez scored in the 41st minute, giving Barcelona a 3-2 advantage. In the second half, Robert Lewandowski extended the lead in the 74th minute, putting Barcelona in a strong position at 4-2.
Just when it seemed Barcelona had the match under control, Atletico fought back again. Marcos Llorente cut the deficit to 4-3 in the 84th minute, setting the stage for a tense finish. In stoppage time, substitute Alexander Sorloth found the net from close range, securing a dramatic equalizer.
Barcelona midfielder Pedri was disappointed with the result, saying, “It’s the worst result after we were up 4-2. It already happened in the league, and now again. We have to learn to stop this from happening.”
Atletico forward Álvarez praised his team’s fighting spirit. “We never give up. We always believe we can come back,” he said.
The second leg of this thrilling semifinal will take place at Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium in April. The winner will face either Real Madrid or Real Sociedad in the final.
Barcelona last won the Copa del Rey in 2021, while Atletico’s last triumph came in 2013. The two teams will also meet again in La Liga on March 16 in Madrid.
Meanwhile, the match saw some off-field incidents, with reports stating that a fan was detained after clashes between Barcelona supporters and police.
