The Estadio Olímpico Lluís Companys witnessed one of the most thrilling matches of the current Copa del Rey season as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid played out a dramatic 4-4 draw in the semifinal clash. The intense back-and-forth game reached its climax at the 50th minute of the second half, leaving the tie wide open ahead of the second leg.
The match was packed with everything a football fan could wish for — goals, comebacks, controversies, and standout performances. Barcelona appeared to be in control with a 4-2 lead after Robert Lewandowski’s strike, but Atletico Madrid mounted an incredible comeback, leveling the score late in the game through goals from Marcos Llorente and Alexander Sørloth. The tie remains alive, with everything to be decided in the return leg.
First Half Drama: Barcelona’s Comeback After Atletico’s Early Blitz
The match started explosively, with Atletico Madrid catching Barcelona off guard. Within the opening five minutes, Atletico had taken a stunning 2-0 lead. Julián Álvarez opened the scoring in the 2nd minute after converting a well-executed corner from Antoine Griezmann. Just three minutes later, Griezmann doubled the lead with a quick counter-attack, cutting past Balde and finishing clinically.
However, Barcelona slowly regained control of the match and began pressing forward. Pedri reduced the deficit in the 18th minute, finishing off a clever one-two with Yamal and Koundé. Just two minutes later, Cubarsí equalized with a towering header from a Raphinha corner, igniting the home crowd.
Barcelona continued to dominate and completed the first-half comeback in the 40th minute when Iñigo Martínez headed in another well-delivered corner from Raphinha, sending the Catalan side into halftime with a 3-2 lead.
Nos vemos en casa. ????⚪ pic.twitter.com/5udRNCx4h8
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) February 25, 2025
Second Half Epic: Lewandowski’s Goal and Atletico’s Stunning Comeback
Barcelona carried their momentum into the second half and looked to put the game out of Atletico’s reach. In the 28th minute, Pedri released Yamal down the right flank, who skillfully beat Reinildo and crossed for Lewandowski to finish, extending Barcelona’s lead to 4-2.
The home fans were jubilant, sensing victory, but Atletico Madrid had other plans. Marcos Llorente sparked the comeback with a powerful strike from the edge of the box in the 38th minute, bringing Atletico back into contention. The game’s intensity heightened, and Atletico pushed for an equalizer.
Their efforts paid off in the 47th minute when Sørloth completed the comeback, tapping in a cross from Samuel Lino during a rapid counter-attack, leveling the score at 4-4 and stunning the Barcelona faithful.
Key Players and Highlights
- Raphinha: The Brazilian winger was instrumental with two assists from corners and constant threats on the right wing.
- Pedri: Scored Barcelona’s first goal and orchestrated several attacking plays, acting as the midfield maestro.
- Lewandowski: Netted Barcelona’s fourth goal and remained a constant danger in the box.
- Sørloth: Came off the bench to score the dramatic equalizer for Atletico Madrid.
- Szczesny: Made crucial saves throughout the match but couldn’t prevent the four goals conceded.
Match Summary Up to the 50th Minute of the Second Half
- Final Score: Barcelona 4-4 Atletico Madrid
- Barcelona Goals: Pedri (18’ 1H), Cubarsí (20’ 1H), Iñigo Martínez (40’ 1H), Lewandowski (28’ 2H)
- Atletico Madrid Goals: Julián Álvarez (2’ 1H), Griezmann (5’ 1H), Llorente (38’ 2H), Sørloth (47’ 2H)
- Yellow Cards: Sørloth, Pablo Barrios, José Giménez, Diego Simeone (Atletico)
- Substitutions: Atletico introduced Correa, Sørloth, and Samuel Lino; Barcelona brought on Ferrán Torres, Gavi, and Fermín López.
- Top Performers: Raphinha, Pedri, Yamal (Barcelona); Griezmann, Sørloth, Llorente (Atletico)
Critical Moments and Controversies
The match wasn’t short of controversial moments. Sørloth had a goal disallowed for offside earlier in the second half, while Barcelona appealed for a penalty on Yamal that was not given. Atletico manager Diego Simeone received a yellow card for dissent, showcasing the high tension on the touchline.
Tactical Breakdown
- Barcelona: Xavi’s side started shakily, conceding two early goals, but their attacking depth shone as they dominated possession and created numerous chances. Raphinha and Yamal provided width, while Pedri pulled the strings in midfield.
- Atletico Madrid: Diego Simeone’s team capitalized on counter-attacks and set pieces. The introduction of Correa and Sørloth in the second half gave Atletico more attacking firepower, leading to their late comeback.
Match Statistics
- Possession: Barcelona 64% – 36% Atletico Madrid
- Shots on Goal: Barcelona 19 – 12 Atletico Madrid
- Corners: Barcelona 9 – 5 Atletico Madrid
- Fouls Committed: Barcelona 14 – 16 Atletico Madrid
- Saves: Szczesny 5 – 7 Musso
What’s Next: All to Play for in the Second Leg
The 4-4 draw leaves the semifinal wide open heading into the second leg in Madrid. Both teams demonstrated their attacking prowess but will need to address defensive vulnerabilities. Barcelona will aim to stay organized defensively while maintaining their attacking threat, while Atletico Madrid will hope their home advantage helps them complete the comeback and reach the Copa del Rey final.
