JYNEWS, Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid: In one of the most electrifying matches of the 2024-25 season, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid played out a jaw-dropping 4-4 draw in the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg. The game had everything: early goals, comebacks, defensive blunders, and a last-gasp equalizer that left fans breathless. Here’s the full breakdown of this unforgettable clash, including key moments, player performances, and what’s next for both teams.
The Rollercoaster: How the 8-Goal Spectacle Unfolded
First Half: Chaos from the Start
Atletico Madrid stunned Barcelona with two goals inside six minutes:
: Julian Alvarez tapped in Antoine Griezmann’s flicked cross at the far post.
: Griezmann capitalized on a Jules Kounde error, firing past Wojciech Szczesny after Alvarez’s defense-splitting pass.
Barcelona responded furiously:
: Pedri slotted home Kounde’s cutback to make it 2-1.
: Pau Cubarsi headed in Raphinha’s corner to level.
: Inigo Martinez nodded another Raphinha corner to complete the turnaround (3-2).
:
Shots: Barca 12-5 Atletico
Possession: 68%-32% in Barca’s favor
Second Half: Late Drama Steals the Show
Barcelona extended their lead in the 74th minute through Robert Lewandowski, who tapped in Lamine Yamal’s dazzling solo effort. But Atletico’s substitutes ignited a late surge:
: Marcos Llorente smashed a rocket into the top corner from Angel Correa’s pass.
: Sorloth pounced on a counter-attack, slotting past Szczesny to seal a 4-4 draw.
:
| Metric | Barcelona | Atletico |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 18 | 14 |
| xG | 3.2 | 2.8 |
| Corners | 9 | 3 |
| Possession | 62% | 38% |
Q&A: Standout Performers and Flops
: 9/10 – Scored, assisted, and dictated play with 92% pass accuracy.
: 8/10 – Two assists from corners and relentless energy.
: 8.5/10 – A goal, assist, and 11 defensive actions.
: 4/10 – Missed two sitters in the first half.
: 6/10 – Costly error led to Atletico’s second goal.
:
: The 17-year-old winger tormented Atletico’s defense and assisted Lewandowski’s goal.
Tactical Breakdown: Where the Game Was Won (and Lost)
Raphinha’s pinpoint deliveries led to two headed goals (Cubarsi, Martinez), exploiting Atletico’s zonal marking:
: Outswinging corner met by Cubarsi.
: Near-post corner flicked to Martinez.
Atletico’s Counter-Attacking Fury
Diego Simeone’s side scored three goals on transitions:
: Rapid break after Kounde’s giveaway.
: Correa’s hustle to recover possession.
: Samuel Lino’s sprint and cutback.
Substitutions That Changed the Game
: Angel Correa ➔ Marcos Llorente (70’) – 1 goal, 1 assist.
: Robert Lewandowski ➔ Ferran Torres (60’) – Scored but left gaps defensively.
Q&A: What’s Next for Both Teams?
: Barca (1st) and Atletico (3rd) remain locked in a tight battle.
: Winner faces Real Madrid/Real Sociedad in the final.
:
: El Clasico (March 15), Champions League quarterfinals (April).
: Champions League last 16 vs. Real Madrid (March 11).
:
: Gavi (ACL) remains out.
: Jose Gimenez (hamstring) subbed off at halftime.
Coach Reactions: Praise and Frustration
: “We’re disappointed but proud of our attacking display. The late goals are a lesson.”
: “Starting Ferran was a tactical choice. Robert’s impact shows his class.”
: “This team never surrenders. Sorloth? He’s a big-game player.”
: “We knew set-pieces and transitions were key. The subs made the difference.”
Fan Reactions: Social Media Erupts
: “This game had more twists than a Netflix thriller!” – @FootballCraze
: “Yamal is 17 going on 30. What a talent!” – @BarcaUniversal
: “Sorloth owns Barcelona’s stadium. Change my mind.” – u/Atleti4Life
The Road Ahead: Second Leg Preview
: Won 3 of last 5 away games vs. Atletico.
: Kept 4 clean sheets in their last 6 home matches.
:
: Pedri (3 goals in 4 games vs. Atletico).
: Sorloth (4 goals in 2 games vs. Barca this season).
:
| Barcelona | Atletico Madrid |
|---|---|
| Szczesny | Musso |
| Kounde | Molina |
| Araujo | Gimenez |
| Martinez | Hermoso |
| Balde | Lino |
| De Jong | Barrios |
| Pedri | Llorente |
| Yamal | Griezmann |
| Olmo | Correa |
| Raphinha | Alvarez |
| Lewandowski | Sorloth |
Conclusion: A Tie Worthy of the Copa Del Rey Legacy
The 4-4 draw between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will be remembered as one of the greatest Copa del Rey matches in history. With the second leg poised on a knife’s edge, fans can expect another thrilling encounter. Will Barca’s attack outgun Atletico’s resilience, or will Sorloth haunt the Catalans again? One thing’s certain: April 2 can’t come soon enough.
: The return leg airs live on ESPN+ (USA) and Premier Sports 2 (UK) at 3:30 PM ET / 12:30 PM PT.
Q&A: Match Highlights at a Glance
Barcelona 4-4 Atletico Madrid.
: Julian Alvarez (1′), Antoine Griezmann (6′), Marcos Llorente (84′), Alexander Sorloth (90+3′).
: Pedri (19′), Pau Cubarsi (21′), Inigo Martinez (41′), Robert Lewandowski (74′).
Alexander Sorloth’s 93rd-minute equalizer, his second stoppage-time goal against Barcelona this season.
April 2, 2025, at Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium.