• Copa del Rey

Barcelona, Feb 25 (EFE).-

FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid drew 4-4 in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals on Tuesday, in a thrilling match that saw the Catalans come back from two goals down and Atlético score twice in the final 10 minutes.

The Madrid team took the lead with two goals in the first six minutes from Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann, but the Catalans came back before the break with goals from Pedro González ‘Pedri’, Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez.

Robert Lewandowski doubled the lead after the break from Lamine Yamal’s pass, and just when it looked like the game was over, Atlético equalized with goals from Marcos Llorente and Alexander Sorloth, the latter in the 93rd minute.

It was a frenetic, power-to-power match, as suggested by the form in which both teams arrived.

After the duel of ineffective home dominance that was decided by Sorloth, Barça remains unbeaten in 2025 with 11 wins and two draws since their last loss on Dec. 21 against Atlético (1-2).

That 2024 game was the first victory on Barça territory, after 17 attempts, for Atlético’s Argentine coach Diego Simeone, who returned to the same stage preceded by a streak of 20 wins and one defeat in the last 24 games.

Simeone said he was satisfied the squad is “alive” in the competition and praised the team’s efforts.

“I am happy, the truth is that the boys started the game very well, which allowed us to take a two-goal lead. After that 2-1 goal, the truth is that it woke them up and they obviously tried to hurt us with their associative game – which is extraordinary (…) It leaves the tie open, (it will be) difficult, for sure, but with the hope of staying alive,” he said.

Barça coach Hansi Flick described the game as “a battle,” and praised his team’s resilience but admitted to defensive lapses in the final minutes. He emphasized the importance of confidence and possession, expressing optimism about the team’s future.

The dramatic encounter leaves the competition open for the return leg on Apr. 2.

xsf/tw