The first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final delivered an instant classic, as Atletico Madrid clawed back to secure a stunning 4-4 draw with Barcelona at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Alexander Sorloth’s stoppage-time equalizer ensured the tie remains wide open heading into the second leg, capping off a pulsating contest between two of Spain’s heavyweights.
Fast and Furious Start: Atletico Stun Barcelona Early
A clash between La Liga’s most potent attack and its most resilient defense was always going to produce fireworks—but few expected such a chaotic opening.
Atletico Madrid wasted no time making a statement, striking just 50 seconds into the match. Julian Alvarez, fresh from his Manchester City stint, found himself in the right place at the back post to convert a swift attacking move, sending the visitors into an early lead.
Before Barcelona could even settle, Antoine Griezmann haunted his former club by slotting past Wojciech Szczesny in the sixth minute, doubling Atletico’s advantage and leaving Hansi Flick’s men shell-shocked.
Barcelona Hit Back in Rapid Response
But if Atletico’s fast start caught the Blaugrana off guard, Barcelona’s response was equally breathtaking. Refusing to let the game slip away, they regrouped and launched an immediate counterpunch.
Pedri cut the deficit in half (19’) with a composed finish after Jules Koundé’s clever pullback, sparking a shift in momentum.
Pau Cubarsi leveled the score just two minutes later, powering home a header from a Raphinha corner to bring the game back to 2-2.
The hosts weren’t done yet. The turnaround was complete before halftime when Iñigo Martínez rose highest to nod home Barcelona’s third, flipping the script on an Atletico side that had looked in complete control just minutes earlier.
Lewandowski Strikes, But Atletico Refuse to Fold
With Barcelona riding high, Flick turned to his talisman Robert Lewandowski, who came off the bench to extend the lead. The Polish striker’s instincts were on full display as he slotted home from a tight angle after 16-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal dazzled down the right flank.
At 4-2, it looked like Barcelona had finally tamed the chaos. But Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid never go down without a fight.
Marcos Llorente pulled one back late, squeezing his shot past Szczesny to keep the visitors in contention.
Then, with seconds left in added time, Atletico completed the comeback. Samuel Lino surged behind the Barca defense and squared the ball across goal, where Sorloth was perfectly positioned to hammer home the equalizer and send the visiting fans into raptures.
What’s Next: A High-Stakes Second Leg Awaits
With eight goals, two comebacks, and non-stop drama, this clash was one for the ages. But it was only the first act.
The tie is now perfectly poised ahead of the second leg in April, where both teams will battle for a place in the Copa del Rey final. Flick will demand more defensive stability from his side, while Simeone will take pride in Atletico’s relentless spirit.
With silverware on the line and no clear favorite, the return leg promises to be another unforgettable showdown.
Key Takeaways from the Copa del Rey Classic
- Sorloth delivers again – The Norwegian striker now has four Copa del Rey goals this season and showed his poacher’s instincts when it mattered most.
- Atletico’s resilience – Simeone’s side refused to quit, turning a 4-2 deficit into a dramatic 4-4 draw in stoppage time.
- Barcelona’s defensive issues – Despite their attacking firepower, Flick’s side failed to close out the game, a concern heading into the second leg.
- Yamal’s impact – The teenage sensation set up Lewandowski’s goal with a brilliant solo run, further cementing his status as one of Europe’s brightest young talents.
With everything still to play for, expect fireworks when these two Spanish giants meet again in the return leg.
