Barcelona and Atletico Madrid delivered an absolute classic in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, with the two sides playing out a jaw-dropping 4-4 draw at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium.
Pedri and Lamine Yamal were at their dazzling best, but Ferran Torres wasted key chances in a chaotic night of football that saw both teams throw away big leads.
A Game of Twists and Turns
The match exploded into action within the first minute as Antoine Griezmann sent a wicked cross into the box, and Julian Alvarez pounced to put Atletico ahead.
Moments later, Alvarez turned provider, setting up Griezmann for a powerful strike that Wojciech Szczesny couldn’t keep out. Just like that, Atletico were 2-0 up inside five minutes.
Barcelona, however, refused to go down without a fight. Ferran Torres had a golden opportunity to pull one back but squandered a one-on-one chance.
It didn’t take long for Pedri to step up, finishing off Jules Kounde’s cutback in the 19th minute to spark Barca’s revival.
The comeback was in full swing less than two minutes later when Pau Cubarsi rose highest to nod in Raphinha’s pinpoint corner.
Then, just before halftime, Inigo Martinez got on the end of another Raphinha delivery to complete an incredible turnaround—3-2 to Barcelona.
Atletico Fight Back Late
Atletico nearly leveled right after the break, but Szczesny came up with a crucial save to deny Griezmann.
The visitors thought they had equalized through Alexander Sorloth, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Then came a moment of pure brilliance from Lamine Yamal.
The 17-year-old dribbled past multiple defenders before setting up substitute Robert Lewandowski for an easy finish, making it 4-2.
The game, however, had one final twist. Marcos Llorente smashed home in the 84th minute to give Atletico hope, and deep into stoppage time, Sorloth finally got his goal, coolly slotting past Szczesny to seal an unforgettable 4-4 draw.
With everything to play for in the second leg in Madrid, this semi-final is on a knife’s edge.
Barcelona Player Ratings
Goalkeeper & Defence
Wojciech Szczesny (5/10): Could have done better with a couple of Atletico’s goals, making some good stops but ultimately struggling against the relentless attacks.
Jules Kounde (6/10): Shaky at the back but contributed well going forward, providing a key assist for Pedri’s goal.
Pau Cubarsi (6/10): Struggled with Atletico’s counters but took his goal well with a strong header.
Inigo Martinez (6/10): Had a tough time against Atletico’s pace but made up for it with a solid headed goal.
Alejandro Balde (7/10): His speed helped Barcelona recover defensively on multiple occasions.
Midfield
Frenkie de Jong (7/10): Kept things ticking in midfield, breaking up attacks and keeping possession.
Pedri (9/10): Sensational performance. Scored a crucial goal and was the creative spark throughout.
Dani Olmo (7/10): Was tightly marked but still played an important role in midfield.
Attack
Raphinha (8/10): Two assists from corners and a lively presence throughout.
Ferran Torres (4/10): Missed huge chances that could have put Barca in control. A night to forget.
Lamine Yamal (8/10): Absolutely electric. Dominated his side of the pitch and created a stunning assist for Lewandowski.
The second leg promises to be just as thrilling, with both teams knowing they can hurt each other. If this game was anything to go by, fans are in for another unforgettable night in Madrid.
WATCH HIGHLIGHT
📺 RESUMEN #CopadelReyMAPFRE
— RFEF (@rfef) February 26, 2025
🆚 @FCBarcelona_es | 4-4 | @Atleti
⚽ 0-1 | J. Alvarez (1')
⚽ 0-2 | Griezmann (6')
⚽ 1-2 | Pedri (19')
⚽ 2-2 | Cubarsí (21')
⚽ 3-2 | I. Martinez (41')
⚽ 4-2 | Lewandowski (74')
⚽ 4-3 | M. Llorente (84')
⚽ 4-4 | Sorloth (90+3')#LaCopaMola 🏆 pic.twitter.com/x02BpHj3uY
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