Atletico Madrid crushed Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal, taking a commanding advantage ahead of the return match. A disastrous first half and early mistakes left Barcelona with a huge task to overcome in the second leg.

The game started in the worst possible way for Barcelona. Eric Garcia made a simple back pass to goalkeeper Joan Garcia, but the ball went under his foot and crossed the goal line. It was an early mistake that gave Atletico Madrid a 1-0 lead in just seven minutes.

This goal changed the whole game. Atletico played with high energy and a strong attack. In the 14th minute, Antoine Griezmann scored the second goal against his former club to make it 2-0.

After falling into the 2-0 deficit, Barcelona looked shocked and could not react. In the 32nd minute, Ademola Lookman scored the third goal. Then in first-half stoppage time, Julian Alvarez scored a powerful shot to make it 4-0 before halftime.

The FC Barcelona official website described the first half as a “huge setback” after conceding four goals in 45 minutes.

Barcelona tried to respond in the second half. Fermin Lopez hit the crossbar in the first half, and Barcelona had some small chances.

Early in the second half, Pau Cubarsi scored for Barcelona. But the goal was checked by VAR for about eight minutes. After the long review, the referee ruled the goal offside. The goal was cancelled.

The decision made Barcelona frustrated. As written by Barça Blaugranes, “Barcelona lacked intensity and energy compared to Atletico. Atletico were stronger in every challenge and faster in attack.”

The night became even worse for Barcelona. When Eric Garcia received a red card in the 85th minute after a VAR review for a foul on Alex Baena. Barcelona finished the game with ten players.

After the match, coach Hansi Flick spoke honestly. He said, “We didn’t play well as a team. Sometimes it’s good to learn a lesson like that.”

It was a result that left a big mark, especially because the damage was done early in the game. Flick made it clear that the main issue was not just the scoreline, but how his team started the match. Barcelona struggled to find rhythm, intensity, and coordination in the opening stages, and Atlético took full advantage. The German coach admitted that slow starts have hurt his side more than once this season. He also complained about the VAR decision and said the long wait was difficult to understand.

Atletico took revenge after losing to Barcelona last year in the same competition. Now Barcelona must score at least four goals in the second leg on March 3 at Spotify Camp Nou to achieve the win.

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