Key Takeaways:
- Atletico Madrid defeated Barcelona 4:0 in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg last night, scoring all four goals before half-time
- Barcelona played the final minutes with ten men after Eric Garcia’s red card in the 85th minute
- The return leg at Camp Nou is set for 3 March
First-Half Blitz Secures Huge Advantage for Los Colchoneros
Atletico Madrid produced their finest display of the season at a crucial juncture, dismantling Barcelona 4:0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final clash. Diego Simeone’s side were relentless at the Metropolitano, striking four times by the interval to put one foot in the final. Joan Garcia was left helpless as the hosts capitalised on Barcelona’s defensive frailties.
The opening goal came in the 7th minute via an own goal by Eric Garcia, whose back pass evaded Joan Garcia and crossed the line despite Pau Cubarsí’s attempted clearance. Antoine Griezmann doubled the advantage in the 14th minute, finishing off a flowing move led by Ademola Lookman and Nahuel Molina. Atletico’s third arrived in the 33rd minute courtesy of Lookman, tapping home after clever interplay with Julian Alvarez and Giuliano Simeone. Julian Alvarez completed the remarkable half in stoppage time, lashing in a powerful effort for his first goal since early December.
BIG WIN IN THE FIRST LEG!! pic.twitter.com/uVugkAPx9p
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) February 12, 2026
VAR Drama and Red Card Compound Barcelona’s Woes
Barcelona sought a response immediately after the restart, only to have a Pau Cubarsí goal ruled out for offside following a lengthy VAR review that lasted over five minutes. The momentum faded for Hansi Flick’s men, who later went down to ten men when Eric Garcia received a red card for a last-man foul on Alex Baena in the 85th minute, upgraded from yellow after VAR intervention.
Despite some late pressure from Barcelona — including a headed chance for Ferran Torres and a nervy moment when Robin Le Normand nearly lost possession in his own box — Atletico Madrid remained in control and saw out the match comfortably.
Journey to the Semi-Finals: Route and Team Line-Ups
Atletico Madrid entered the competition in the round of 32, overcoming Baleares 3:2 before defeating Deportivo La Coruña 1:0 at Riazor. A week ago, they thrashed Betis 5:0 away to secure their semi-final place. In contrast, Barcelona dispatched Guadalajara (2:0), Racing Santander (2:0), and Albacete (2:1) on their path to this stage.
Simeone’s selection featured Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez spearheading the attack, flanked by Giuliano Simeone and Ademola Lookman. With Pablo Barrios injured, Marcos Llorente partnered Koké in midfield. Juan Musso, rather than Jan Oblak, started in goal, behind a back four of Nahuel Molina, Marc Pubill, David Hancko, and Matteo Ruggeri.
Barcelona, who had previously strung together six straight wins (most recently 3:0 versus Mallorca), deployed a revised eleven with Frenkie de Jong, Fermin Lopez, and Marc Casado in midfield. Ferran Torres joined Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo up front, whilst Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Eric Garcia, and Alejandro Balde protected Joan Garcia in goal.
| Atletico Madrid | Barcelona |
|---|---|
| Juan Musso (GK) | Joan Garcia (GK) |
| Nahuel Molina | Jules Koundé |
| Marc Pubill | Pau Cubarsí |
| David Hancko | Eric Garcia |
| Matteo Ruggeri | Alejandro Balde |
| Koké | Frenkie de Jong |
| Marcos Llorente | Fermin Lopez |
| Giuliano Simeone | Marc Casado |
| Ademola Lookman | Lamine Yamal |
| Antoine Griezmann | Dani Olmo |
| Julian Alvarez | Ferran Torres |
Detailed Match Flow and Key Moments
Atletico threatened as early as the 3rd minute, with Giuliano Simeone drawing a fine save from Joan Garcia. The breakthrough came four minutes later from a defensive mix-up, and the Spanish capital club piled on the pressure throughout the opening period. Barcelona’s closest effort in the first half, a strike from Fermin Lopez, rattled the crossbar in the 20th minute.
Barcelona’s tactical response included Robert Lewandowski entering for Marc Casado after Atletico’s third goal. The away side carved out some half-chances but were repeatedly denied by Juan Musso’s sharp goalkeeping. Lookman narrowly missed increasing the deficit further late in the first period before Julian Alvarez added a fourth in stoppage time.
After the break, Musso again frustrated Fermin Lopez. The controversial VAR decision to disallow Cubarsí’s effort further hurt the visitors’ hopes. Substitutions from both managers saw Alex Baena, Alexander Sørloth, and Thiago Almada enter for Atletico.
Defensively, Atletico stifled Barcelona, who risked further damage by pushing forward despite their numerical disadvantage. Sørloth came within inches of scoring a fifth late on. A tense finale included a touchline confrontation that was swiftly diffused.
Looking Ahead
With this emphatic victory, Atletico Madrid will travel to Camp Nou for the return leg on 3 March with a commanding lead. Barcelona face a monumental challenge to overturn the deficit, especially given the resolute form shown by Simeone’s charges on the night.
