By: Osabuohien Imuetinyanosa
Atlético signalled their intent from the outset, with Giuliano Simeone forcing an outstanding save from Joan García when through on goal. Six minutes in, however, the usually dependable goalkeeper misjudged
the ball to roll into his own net and gift the hosts the opener.
Although Barcelona controlled much of the early possession, Atlético’s clinical edge proved decisive. A slick attacking move left Antoine Griezmann unmarked, and he calmly slotted a low left-footed strike past the keeper to double Diego Simeone’s side’s advantage inside 15 minutes.
The visitors nearly responded when Fermín López rattled the woodwork, while Julián Álvarez saw an effort dramatically cleared off the line by Jules Koundé in a frantic contest. Atlético continued to surge forward and were rewarded again when Ademola Lookman finished off a sharp counter-attack with precision.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, another rapid break down Barcelona’s right flank ended with Álvarez being teed up on the edge of the box, and he emphatically drilled home his first goal since early December. It marked only the second occasion since 2004/05 that Barcelona had shipped four goals before half-time.
Immediately after the restart, Juan Musso was called into action to deny Fermín, and following a remarkable eight-minute VAR review, Pau Cubarsí’s strike was chalked off for offside. That decision seemed to drain Barcelona’s momentum, with their distribution growing increasingly erratic.
Their evening deteriorated further when Eric García received a red card late on for a deliberate foul. Atlético understandably eased off in the closing stages, capping a memorable triumph that ended a nine-match winless streak against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey (D2, L6). The defeat also represented Hansi Flick’s first loss in the tournament and dealt a significant blow to the Catalans’ hopes of securing a 33rd crown.
Goals Summary
Atlético Madrid 4–0 Barcelona
Eric García (6’ OG)
Antoine Griezmann (14’)
Ademola Lookman (33’)
Julián Álvarez (45’+2’)
Red card: Eric García (85’)
