Atletico Madrid secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals at the Metropolitano Stadium. The hosts scored all four goals in the first half, highlighted by an own goal from Barcelona's Joan Garcia and strikes from Antoine Griezmann, Ademola Lookman, and Julian Alvarez. Barcelona's night worsened with Garcia's late red card, though a potential second-half goal was disallowed by VAR.
Atletico Madrid delivered a stunning performance against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on February 12, 2026, at the Metropolitano Stadium. The match began disastrously for the visitors when goalkeeper Joan Garcia miscontrolled a backpass from Eric Garcia in the sixth minute, resulting in an own goal that gave Atletico an early lead.
Antoine Griezmann doubled the advantage in the 14th minute, finishing a pass from Nahuel Molina with a low shot into the far corner. Ademola Lookman extended the lead to 3-0 after 33 minutes, sweeping in a loose ball following a clearance by Jules Kounde off the line from Julian Alvarez. Alvarez then ended his goal drought in added time before halftime, assisted by Lookman, to make it 4-0.
Barcelona, who entered as La Liga leaders on a six-match winning streak, struggled to respond. Fermin Lopez hit the crossbar early in the second half, and Pau Cubarsi appeared to score, but the goal was ruled offside after an eight-minute VAR review. Tensions escalated late when Joan Garcia received a straight red card for a challenge on Alex Baena, leading to a skirmish involving players and Atletico manager Diego Simeone.
This result marks Hansi Flick's first Copa del Rey defeat as Barcelona manager. Last season, Barcelona overcame a 2-0 deficit in the first leg against Atletico to advance and win the title. The second leg is scheduled for March 3 at Camp Nou.
Atletico's starting lineup included Juan Musso in goal, with Griezmann, Lookman, and Alvarez up front. Barcelona started Frenkie de Jong as captain, with Robert Lewandowski on the bench due to rotation.
Barcelona have won the Copa del Rey 32 times, more than any other team, while Atletico have 10 titles.
