Barcelona and Atletico Madrid Play Out Thrilling 4-4 Draw
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid Play Out Thrilling 4-4 Draw
Atletico’s Lightning-Fast Start
The game saw both teams take turns in leading by two goals, only for the opposition to respond in dramatic fashion.
FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid delivered a football spectacle for the ages, ending in a breathtaking 4-4 draw in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals.
The match started in astonishing fashion, with Atletico Madrid racing to a 2-0 lead within the first six minutes.
Julian Alvarez opened the scoring in the very first minute after a precise cross from Clement Lenglet.
Just five minutes later, Alvarez turned provider, setting up Antoine Griezmann, who fired past Wojciech Szczesny to double Atletico’s lead.
Atletico’s quick advantage forced Barcelona to react, and the Catalans began to dominate possession.
Barcelona’s Stunning Comeback
Barcelona responded swiftly and emphatically.
In the 19th minute, Pedri finished off a brilliant team move, reducing the deficit.
Just two minutes later, the equalizer arrived as Pau Cubarsi met a Raphinha corner with a powerful header, bringing the score to 2-2.
The Catalan side continued to push forward, and their pressure paid off right before halftime.
Another well-delivered corner from Raphinha found Inigo Martinez, who headed the ball home to complete an incredible turnaround.
Barcelona went into the break leading 3-2, a scenario that seemed highly unlikely after their dreadful start.
El mejor partido de toda la temporada.
— Invictos (@InvictosSomos) February 25, 2025
No tiene sentido lo que acabamos de vivir.
De un 0-2, a un 4-2 y de un 4-2 a un 4-4 final.
El FC Barcelona y el Atlético se dieron con todo.
Esto se resolverá en abril en El Metropolitano.
EL DUELO MÁS ÉPICO DEL CURSO. pic.twitter.com/k7UmNWUgPW
Second-Half Drama and Late Atletico Heroics
The second half remained just as thrilling, with both teams fighting for control.
Atletico Madrid created several chances to level the score but found themselves unable to break through Barcelona’s defense.
In the 72nd minute, Alexander Sorloth thought he had scored the equalizer, only for his goal to be ruled offside.
Just moments later, Barcelona capitalized on their dominance.
Lamine Yamal produced a moment of brilliance, dribbling past defenders before setting up Robert Lewandowski for an easy tap-in, extending Barcelona’s lead to 4-2.
Atletico, however, refused to give up.
In the 84th minute, Angel Correa cleverly laid off a pass for Marcos Llorente, who smashed the ball into the net, making it 4-3 and giving the visitors renewed hope.
With Barcelona struggling to regain control, Atletico found a dramatic equalizer in injury time.
A defensive lapse allowed Samuel Lino to break through, setting up Sorloth for a simple finish in the 93rd minute.
The final whistle confirmed a pulsating 4-4 draw, leaving everything to be decided in the second leg
What’s Next?
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona will regret letting a golden opportunity slip away, as they had full control at 4-2.
Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, will take confidence from their fighting spirit and will look to finish the job at the Wanda Metropolitano on April 2.
