Atlético Madrid Stun Barcelona 4-0 in Copa del Rey Semi
In a night that will be etched into the annals of Spanish football history, Atlético Madrid produced a breathtaking performance to lead Barcelona 4-0 at halftime in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals on February 13, 2026, at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid. The match, refereed by Juan Martínez Munuera, showcased Diego Simeone's tactical masterclass against a beleaguered Barcelona side still reeling from recent setbacks, including extreme winds damaging their training facilities in Catalonia.
Match Overview: A Dominant Display from the Hosts
The game kicked off at 7:00 AM local time, but it was Atlético who wasted no time asserting dominance. With a 4-4-2 formation, the Colchoneros lined up with Juan Musso in goal, flanked by a solid backline of Matteo Ruggeri, Dávid Hancko, Marc Pubill, and Nahuel Molina. Midfield maestros Koke and Marcos Llorente provided the engine, while Ademola Lookman and Giuliano Simeone added flair on the wings. Up front, the lethal partnership of Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann terrorized Barcelona's defense.
Barcelona, deploying a 4-3-3, relied on their possession-based game but struggled from the outset. Key players like Frenkie de Jong and Fermín López showed glimpses of quality, but the Catalans were undone by defensive lapses. Despite holding 71.1% possession and registering eight shot attempts, they managed only four on target, with Juan Musso making crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.
Key Moments: Goals That Shook the Camp Nou Faithful
The scoring frenzy began as early as the 6th minute when Eric García unluckily deflected a cross into his own net, giving Atlético an early 1-0 lead. Barcelona's defense was caught napping, and the own goal set the tone for a one-sided affair.
Antoine Griezmann, ever the talisman for Atlético, doubled the advantage in the 14th minute. The French forward latched onto a precise through-ball from Koke, slotting home with clinical precision past Barcelona's goalkeeper. Griezmann's goal not only extended his impressive form but also highlighted Atlético's ruthless counter-attacking prowess.
By the 33rd minute, Ademola Lookman joined the party. The winger, on loan and thriving under Simeone, cut inside from the right and unleashed a curling left-footed strike that found the top corner. It was a moment of individual brilliance amid Atlético's collective dominance, making it 3-0 and effectively killing off any early Barcelona hopes.
Just before halftime, in the 45+2 minute, Julián Álvarez sealed the rout. The Argentine striker, who has been in scintillating form this season, pounced on a loose ball in the box after a Barcelona clearance fell short, rifling it into the net for 4-0. The Metropolitano erupted, with fans sensing a famous victory in this high-stakes semifinal.
Post-halftime, Barcelona pushed forward, earning a corner in the 48th minute and seeing Fermín López' shot saved by Musso. Frenkie de Jong won a free kick moments earlier, but Atlético's defense held firm, conceding just three corners compared to Barcelona's six.
Statistical Breakdown: Numbers Tell the Story
Atlético's efficiency was staggering. With only 28.9% possession, they converted their limited chances into six shots on goal from seven attempts—no yellow cards, just pure focus. Barcelona, despite their ball control, were wasteful, picking up one yellow and failing to test Musso sufficiently. Saves favored Atlético 4-2, underscoring the hosts' defensive solidity.
This performance echoes Atlético's storied Copa del Rey runs, where Simeone's teams have often punched above their weight against giants like Barcelona. The 4-0 lead positions them perfectly for the second leg, though Barcelona's history of comebacks—think their miraculous 6-1 aggregate against PSG in 2017—means nothing is certain.
Player Spotlights: Stars of the Show
Antoine Griezmann was the undisputed man of the match, his goal and all-around play reminiscent of his glory days at the club. Ademola Lookman, proving his worth beyond the Premier League, dazzled with his pace and finishing. Julián Álvarez's poacher's instinct was key, while Koke's midfield control neutralized Barcelona's engine room.
For Barcelona, it was a grim night. Eric García's own goal epitomized their woes, and despite Ferran Torres' assists and López' efforts, the team looked disjointed. Winds in Catalonia had forced an early trip to Madrid, disrupting preparations and halting Spotify Camp Nou renovations—perhaps a metaphor for their turbulent season.
Broader Implications: What This Means for Both Sides
This result is a body blow to Barcelona, who entered the tie as favorites but now face an uphill battle. Their possession dominance failed to translate into goals, raising questions about Xavi's tactics against Simeone's pragmatism. With La Liga title aspirations hanging by a thread, a Copa exit could derail their season further.
Atlético, meanwhile, are riding high. A win here could propel them to the final, boosting morale ahead of crucial league fixtures. Simeone's substitutions like Álex Baena and Thiago Almada from the bench add depth, signaling a squad ready for glory.
In the wider Copa del Rey landscape, Real Sociedad's 1-0 win over Athletic Club in the other semi adds Basque intrigue. As the competition heats up, Atlético's statement win reaffirms their status as cup specialists.
Looking Ahead: Second Leg Drama Awaits
The return leg at Camp Nou promises fireworks, but Atlético's cushion is massive. Fans worldwide tuned in via ESPN, with highlights already viral. For Australian viewers, this early morning kickoff highlighted the global appeal of La Liga rivalries.
Stay tuned to Everythiiing.com for live updates, expert analysis, and more on this enthralling tie. Football doesn't get more dramatic than Madrid vs. Barcelona—especially when the underdogs bite back so hard.
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