A Dark Night for Barcelona… Atlético Madrid Takes a Step Toward the Final
Atlético Madrid secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Barcelona at the Metropolitano Stadium in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final.
The hosts started strongly, opening the scoring in the 8th minute when Eric García turned the ball into his own net. Antoine Griezmann doubled the lead in the 14th minute after a precise assist from Molina.
Atlético maintained their attacking momentum, with new signing Ademola Lookman adding the third goal in the 33rd minute following an excellent pass from Julián Álvarez. Just before halftime, Álvarez made it four in stoppage time (45+2), finishing powerfully after a decisive assist from Lookman.
Barcelona failed to find the net throughout the match, as Atlético sealed an emphatic four-goal victory.
The game also saw Eric García sent off in the 85th minute after receiving a red card, leaving Barcelona with ten men.
The two sides are set to meet again in the second leg at Spotify Camp Nou on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, to decide the finalist.
