Atletico Madrid delivered a statement performance to overpower FC Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of their 2025–26 Copa del Rey semi-final at the Estadio Metropolitano, putting one foot firmly in the final. The Spanish Cup holders were dismantled inside the opening 45 minutes as Diego Simeone’s side took complete control of the tie before the return leg at Camp Nou in March.
Early chaos sets the tone
The contest turned on its head inside the first ten minutes. An early mistake from Barcelona defender Eric García saw a routine back pass slip under his own goalkeeper, gifting Atletico the lead in just the sixth minute. That calamitous opening was the start of a forgettable evening for Barcelona.
Clinical first-half barrage
Antoine Griezmann added the second with a well-worked finish after a fluent team move, while Ademola Lookman struck midway through the half to extend Atletico’s advantage. The scoring spree was capped just before the break when Lookman turned provider and Julián Álvarez unleashed a powerful strike to make it 4-0, sealing a dominant first-half display that Barcelona could not stem.
Barcelona struggle to respond
Barcelona controlled large swathes of the game, but they struggled to carve out clear chances against a disciplined Atletico backline. A potential goal for Barcelona in the second half was ruled out after a lengthy VAR review, adding to the frustration of a night to forget for Hansi Flick’s side.
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Coaches react after shocking result
Atletico head coach Diego Simeone praised his players’ intensity and tactical execution, highlighting the electric atmosphere at the Metropolitano as a key factor in his team’s success. Barcelona boss Hansi Flick acknowledged that his side were “taught a lesson” in the first half but insisted his team would fight in the second leg, despite the daunting four-goal deficit.
Advantage Atleti before return leg
The emphatic victory gives Atletico a commanding advantage heading into the return fixture on March 3 at the Camp Nou. While Copa del Rey ties are far from decided over a single match, Barcelona now face the difficult task of overturning a significant goal deficit against a confident and clinical Atletico side.
