Madrid, Spain — Atlético Madrid delivered a commanding performance at the Metropolitano, defeating Barcelona 4–0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final encounter.
Diego Simeone’s men seized control early, capitalising on defensive lapses and finishing clinically to establish a commanding advantage ahead of the return leg.
The breakthrough came in the 6th minute following a defensive error that resulted in an own goal, handing Atlético an early lead. Antoine Griezmann doubled the advantage in the 14th minute after a well-worked attacking move that exposed Barcelona’s defence.
Nigerian international Ademola Lookman was instrumental in the dominant display, delivering a masterclass performance with a goal and an assist as Atlético dismantled Barcelona in the Copa del Rey showdown. Lookman calmly finished the third goal in the 33rd minute and played a key role in the build-up to another, underlining his growing influence in the squad.
Julián Álvarez added the fourth goal in first-half stoppage time, effectively sealing a devastating opening 45 minutes for the hosts.
Barcelona struggled to respond after the break, with a goal ruled out following a lengthy VAR review. The visitors’ frustrations were compounded by a late red card, leaving them with ten men as Atlético comfortably managed the remainder of the contest.
The result leaves Barcelona facing a daunting task in the second leg at the Spotify Camp Nou, while Atlético Madrid move within touching distance of a place in the Copa del Rey final.
