Atletico Madrid has established a commanding lead in their Copa del Rey semifinal tie against Barcelona, securing a decisive 4-0 win in the first leg. The result places Atletico in a strong position to advance to the final, while Barcelona faces a significant challenge to overcome the deficit in the return match. The match was marked by early offensive pressure from Atletico and critical errors from the visiting team.
Match Overview and Key Events
The Copa del Rey semifinal first leg took place on February 12, 2026, at the Metropolitano Stadium. Atletico Madrid hosted Barcelona, ultimately winning by a scoreline of 4-0. This result was largely established in the first half, with Atletico scoring all four of their goals before the halftime whistle.
Early Goal: Atletico took the lead in the sixth minute through an own goal by Eric Garcia. Reports indicate the goal resulted from a misjudged back pass that goalkeeper Joan Garcia failed to control.
Doubled Lead: Atletico extended their advantage eight minutes later, with Antoine Griezmann scoring to make it 2-0.
Further Strikes: Ademola Lookman and Julián Álvarez added further goals for Atletico before halftime, bringing the score to 4-0.
Second Half: While Atletico continued to create chances, including a late miss by Sorloth, the scoreline remained unchanged in the second half.
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Barcelona made several substitutions throughout the match in an attempt to alter the outcome.
Evidence of Dominance and Barcelona's Struggles
Multiple sources confirm the 4-0 scoreline and highlight Atletico's effectiveness in the first half.
Goals Scored: The specific goalscorers and timings align across several reports:
Eric Garcia (own goal) - 6'
Antoine Griezmann - 14'
Ademola Lookman - 33'
Julián Álvarez - 45'+2'
First-Half Performance: Atletico Madrid's first-half scoring blitz was a central theme in the post-match analysis. The 4-0 lead at halftime indicates a significant shift in momentum and control of the game.
Barcelona's Difficulties: The concession of four goals in the first half points to defensive vulnerabilities and a struggle to contain Atletico's attack. The initial own goal, stemming from a goalkeeping error, further underscores Barcelona's uncharacteristic performance.
Tactical Observations and Player Contributions
Atletico Madrid's tactical approach appeared to exploit Barcelona's weaknesses, particularly in the initial stages.
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High Press: Reports mention Atletico pressing high, which may have contributed to the early defensive pressure leading to the own goal.
Attacking Prowess: The combination of Griezmann, Lookman, and Alvarez proved effective, with Lookman and Alvarez also noted for their interplay leading to goals.
Defensive Solidity: Despite a couple of yellow cards for Atletico players in the second half, the team maintained its defensive shape to prevent Barcelona from scoring.
Broader Context and Implications
This victory gives Atletico Madrid a substantial advantage heading into the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal.
Advantage for Atletico: The 4-0 lead represents a "giant step" or "huge step" towards the final, making a comeback for Barcelona exceedingly difficult.
Holders' Position: As the holders, Barcelona now face an uphill battle to retain their title.
Other Semifinal: In the other semifinal, Real Sociedad holds a 1-0 advantage over an unnamed opponent ahead of their second leg.
Expert Analysis and Commentary
Post-match commentary has focused on Atletico's clinical performance and Barcelona's uncharacteristic display.
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"Atletico Madrid tore Barcelona apart with four first-half goals to secure a 4-0 victory… leaving the holders staring at a near impossible task in the return match." - Devdiscourse
"The hosts pressed high and doubled their lead eight minutes later as Antoine Griezmann finished low into the far corner." - Devdiscourse
The outcome suggests a strategic success for Atletico Madrid in this crucial fixture.
Conclusion and Outlook
Atletico Madrid's emphatic 4-0 win over Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal places them in a highly favorable position to reach the final. The match was characterized by Atletico's offensive effectiveness and defensive control, particularly in the first half. Barcelona's inability to contain Atletico's attack, coupled with defensive errors, resulted in a significant deficit. The return leg will require a remarkable turnaround from Barcelona to overturn the four-goal disadvantage.
Sources Used:
Article 1: Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Live Updates: Atletico Madrid secured a crushing 4-0 win over Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal.
Article 2: Copa del Rey: Atletico hits Barcelona for four to take giant step toward final.
Article 3: Atletico Madrid 4-0 Barcelona: Goals and highlights - Copa del Rey 25/26.
Article 4: Atletico thump Barca to take huge step towards Copa del Rey final – updates.
Article 5: Atlético Madrid 4-0 Barcelona: summary, score, goals, highlights online, Copa del Rey semi-final.
Article 6: Soccer-Atletico hit Barcelona for four to take giant step toward Copa del Rey final.
Article 7: Atlético 4-0 Barcelona (Feb 12, 2026) Final Score - ESPN.
Link: https://www.espn.com/soccer/match//gameId/401859849/barcelona-atletico-madrid
Article 8: All the Goals from Atlético de Madrid vs. Barcelona – Copa del Rey Semifinals. (This article references past encounters and player line-ups for future matches, not the specific match in question. Thus, it is not directly used for the match outcome but provides context on the fixture.)
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