Barcelona and Atletico Play Out Thrilling 4-4 Copa Clash

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid produced a spectacular 4-4 draw in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final yesterday, Tuesday 26 February.

Atletico made a blistering start at Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, with Julián Álvarez scoring inside the first minute before Antoine Griezmann doubled the lead in the sixth.

However, the hosts responded quickly: Pedri slotted home in the 19th minute, and Pau Cubarsí’s header levelled the score just two minutes later. Inigo Martínez then nodded Barca ahead before half-time.

Barcelona forward, Lamine Yamal, dazzled in the second half, setting up Robert Lewandowski for what seemed to be a decisive fourth goal. However, Atletico refused to go down quietly.

Marcos Llorente’s late strike set up a tense finale, and in stoppage time, substitute Alexander Sørloth finished from close range to equalise the score 4-4.

Pedri was Barcelona’s standout performer, orchestrating the midfield, while Ferran Torres struggled, missing key chances. Despite defensive lapses, Barcelona had moments of brilliance, particularly from Yamal and Raphinha.

With the tie perfectly balanced, all eyes turn to the return leg at the Metropolitano Stadium in April, where a place in the Copa del Rey final against either Real Madrid or Real Sociedad will be at stake.

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