In an exhilarating showdown at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid showcased one of the most unforgettable matches in Copa del Rey history, ending in a thrilling 4-4 draw during the first leg of their semi-final on Tuesday. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Barça initially falling behind twice within the first five minutes, then netting four consecutive goals, only to concede two more in the dying minutes. This spectacular clash sets the stage for an enthralling second leg in Madrid in five weeks.

FIRST HALF

The match kicked off with Atlético Madrid taking the initiative, scoring just 50 seconds in. Following a quick corner, Antoine Griezmann’s deflected cross found Julián Álvarez, who capitalized on the opportunity to send the visitors into the lead. The rapid goal left both the crowd and the Barcelona players reeling before the game had scarcely begun.

Just five minutes later, Barcelona’s Jules Kounde misplaced a pass in midfield, allowing Atlético to launch a swift counterattack. Álvarez set up Griezmann, who confidently slotted the ball past Wojciech Szczesny, extending Atlético’s lead to two goals in a nightmarish start for Barça.

Despite the shocking opening, Barcelona gradually found their rhythm. Ferran Torres squandered a golden opportunity early in the match, but this served as a precursor to their forthcoming dominance. Barça began displaying vibrant attacking play, steadily threatening Atlético’s backline.

The Catalans’ persistence paid off: first, Lamine Yamal delivered a stunning through ball to Kounde, who assisted Pedri for a clinical finish. Shortly thereafter, Raphinha’s corner found Pau Cubarsí at the far post, who nodded in the equalizer, leveling the game just 21 minutes in.

Fueled by their quick comeback, the Blaugrana continued to mount pressure, forcing Atlético to retreat defensively. They went on to create numerous chances, though Ferran wasted another one-on-one opportunity when he rounded the keeper but failed to convert.

Undeterred, the home side eventually took the lead just five minutes before halftime. Raphinha sent yet another corner to the far post, where Iñigo Martínez was left unmarked and headed in the goal, completing a remarkable turnaround for Barça.

The first half concluded with Barcelona leading after dominating the latter portion of the period despite conceding early goals. It was a testament to their resilience and attacking prowess, leaving them with hopes of extending their lead in the second half.

SECOND HALF

As the second half commenced, Barcelona maintained control of possession, but their attacking threat diminished, allowing Atlético to regain composure. Szczesny was called into action, making a crucial one-on-one save against Griezmann to preserve Barcelona’s lead.

With Atlético sensing an opportunity, coach Diego Simeone made strategic substitutions, and one of them nearly paid off when Alexander Sorloth scored, only for the goal to be disallowed due to offside.

Recognizing the need for a boost, Hansi Flick introduced Gavi and Robert Lewandowski, and the change proved effective immediately. Lewandowski capitalized on a sensational play by Yamal, tapping the ball into the net from close range.

With Barcelona now leading by two goals in the final 15 minutes, they aimed to further assert their dominance. However, Atlético responded when Ángel Correa’s pass found Llorente, who unleashed a powerful shot into the bottom corner, reducing the deficit with just a few minutes remaining.

Revitalized, Atlético surged forward in search of an equalizer. Correa had a significant opportunity, but Szczesny made another crucial save. The drama peaked in the dying minutes; a long ball found Samuel Lino, who capitalized on Kounde’s slip, setting up Sorloth for a late equalizer that dashed Barça’s hopes.

The match concluded with a spectacular 4-4 draw, marking one of the most thrilling Copa del Rey encounters ever witnessed. Both teams showcased immense talent, ensuring an enthralling second leg awaits in Madrid.

It’s unfortunate that fans must now wait five weeks for the next thrilling chapter.

Barcelona: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsí, Iñigo, Balde; Olmo (Gavi 68’), De Jong, Pedri (Eric 85’); Yamal, Ferran (Lewandowski 68’), Raphinha (Fermín 85’)

Goals: Pedri (19’), Cubarsí (21’), Iñigo (41’), Lewandowski (74’)

Atlético: Musso; Llorente, Giménez, Lenglet, Galán (Reinildo 55’); Simeone (Lino 55’), De Paul (Correa 68’), Barrios, Gallagher (Molina 60’); Griezmann (Sorloth 68’), Álvarez

Goals: Álvarez (1’), Griezmann (6’), Llorente (84’), Sorloth (90+3’)