Atletico Madrid delivered a spectacular performance, thrashing rivals Barcelona 4-0 in a dominant Copa del Rey encounter. A formidable first-half display secured a memorable victory for the hosts.
Barcelona arrived at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano eager to advance in the prestigious Copa del Rey competition. However, they faced a highly motivated Atletico Madrid side determined to assert their authority at home. The pre-match atmosphere promised a fiercely contested cup tie.
The match exploded into action immediately. In the 6th minute, Barcelona’s Eric Garcia endured a nightmare start, unfortunately diverting the ball into his own net. This early own goal handed Atletico Madrid a crucial lead and stunned the visiting side.
Just eight minutes later, Antoine Griezmann capitalised on Barcelona's disarray. Nahuel Molina provided a precise assist, allowing Griezmann to drill home Atletico’s second goal in the 14th minute. The home crowd erupted as their team seized control.
Atletico continued their relentless assault. Ademola Lookman skillfully added a third goal in the 33rd minute, with Julián Álvarez delivering the assist. Álvarez then turned scorer himself, tucking away Atletico's fourth just before halftime, assisted by Lookman in the 45+2 minute. It was a first half masterclass.
Barcelona faced an enormous challenge after the interval. Trailing by four goals, the visitors needed a monumental shift in momentum and tactics. A dramatic comeback seemed their only path, but Atletico's defence stood firm.
The second half began with increased physicality as Barcelona pushed forward. Their efforts were almost rewarded in the 52nd minute, but a VAR review disallowed a goal for offside. This decision further dampened Barcelona's hopes of a revival.
As the game progressed, the referee brandished several cards. Barcelona's Marc Casado received a yellow card in the 26th minute for tripping. The frustrations mounted, culminating in Eric Garcia's red card for tripping in the 85th minute, reducing Barcelona to ten men.
Atletico Madrid managed the game expertly, making strategic substitutions like Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez departing in the 68th minute. Despite Barcelona's attempts to find a consolation goal, Atletico comfortably held onto their comprehensive advantage through to the final whistle.
Atletico Madrid's victory came despite holding just 35% possession throughout the match. They were clinical, converting 8 shots on target from 12 total attempts. In contrast, Barcelona's 65% possession yielded only 4 shots on target from 13 total shots. Goalkeeper Juan Musso made 4 important saves for Atletico.
This emphatic 4-0 win propels Atletico Madrid confidently into the next round of the Copa del Rey. For Barcelona, the heavy defeat highlights significant defensive frailties and will necessitate a period of introspection.
