Atlético Madrid delivered a ruthless first-leg statement in the Copa del Rey semi-final, hammering holders FC Barcelona 4–0 on Thursday night.
Diego Simeone’s men struck early and never looked back, leaving the 32-time Copa del Rey champions stunned and facing a mountain to climb ahead of the return leg.
Barcelona’s nightmare began when defender Eric García inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, handing Atletico the breakthrough advantage.
From there, it was one-way traffic.
Former Barcelona star Antoine Griezmann doubled the lead before Nigerian international Ademola Lookman added a third, continuing his impressive form in Spain.
Julián Álvarez then completed the first-half demolition, ensuring Atletico went into the break with a commanding four-goal cushion.
Things worsened for the Catalans late in the match as Eric García was sent off, compounding an already disastrous evening for the defending champions.
The emphatic victory gives Atletico a massive advantage heading into the second leg at Camp Nou on March 3, with Simeone’s side now firmly in control of the semi-final tie.
Barcelona, record winners of the competition, must now produce a historic comeback to keep their Copa del Rey hopes alive.
