Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid played out a high-octane 4-4 draw in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals, in a match filled with drama, comebacks, and breathtaking football. Pedri and Lamine Yamal were the standout performers for Hansi Flick’s side, showcasing their brilliance, while Ferran Torres missed key chances in a rollercoaster game.
Los Colchoneros raced into a 2-0 lead within the first six minutes, with Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann punishing a sluggish Barcelona defense. However, the Catalans roared back, scoring three goals before halftime through Pedri, Pau Cubarsi, and Inigo Martinez. Lamine Yamal then delivered a moment of magic in the second half, setting up Robert Lewandowski to make it 4-2, but Atletico responded with two late goals from Marcos Llorente and Alexander Sorloth, leaving the tie wide open ahead of the second leg.
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Player Ratings: Pedri and Lamine Yamal Shine in Copa del Rey Thriller
First Half: A Game of Two Halves
Atletico Madrid caught Barcelona off guard immediately, pressing aggressively and capitalizing on defensive lapses. Julian Alvarez opened the scoring after just 60 seconds, finishing off a precise cross from Griezmann. Five minutes later, the Frenchman doubled Atletico’s lead, blasting a shot that Wojciech Szczesny failed to keep out.
Barcelona responded in the 19th minute, with Pedri slotting home after a well-worked move. Just two minutes later, Pau Cubarsi equalized, heading home Raphinha’s corner to restore parity. The comeback was complete before the break when Inigo Martinez nodded in another Raphinha delivery, making it 3-2 to Barcelona.
Second Half: Late Drama Ensues
Lamine Yamal, who had been threatening all night, produced a stunning solo run in the 74th minute, slicing through Atletico’s defense before setting up Lewandowski for an easy finish. It seemed like Barcelona had the tie under control, but Atletico Madrid had other ideas.
Marcos Llorente pulled one back with a stunning strike in the 84th minute, before Sorloth’s stoppage-time goal completed the comeback, leaving the tie hanging in the balance before the second leg at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Barcelona Player Ratings vs Atletico Madrid
Goalkeeper & Defense
Wojciech Szczesny (5/10)
The Polish shot-stopper had a night to forget. While he made a few crucial saves, he should have done better for at least two of Atletico’s goals.
Jules Kounde (6/10)
Solid in attack, providing a crucial assist for Pedri’s goal, but struggled defensively against Atletico’s fast breaks.
Pau Cubarsi (6/10)
Got Barcelona back into the game with a well-taken header, but was vulnerable to Atletico’s counterattacks.
Inigo Martinez (6/10)
His goal before halftime was crucial, but he was often caught out of position, allowing Atletico to exploit spaces.
Alejandro Balde (7/10)
Showed great pace and recovered well defensively, helping Barcelona when under pressure.
Midfield
Frenkie de Jong (7/10)
Did the dirty work in midfield, breaking up play and keeping Barcelona’s transitions smooth.
Pedri (9/10) – ⭐ MAN OF THE MATCH
An exceptional performance. He scored Barcelona’s first goal, dictated play, and constantly looked for openings. A midfield masterclass.
Dani Olmo (7/10)
Not as involved as Pedri, but still provided some crucial forward runs that helped Barcelona maintain pressure.
Attack
Raphinha (8/10)
Two pinpoint assists from set-pieces and always a threat down the right flank.
Ferran Torres (4/10)
A frustrating night for the Spaniard. Missed two huge chances and looked out of sync with his teammates.
Lamine Yamal (8/10)
Gave Atletico’s defense nightmares all night and delivered an outstanding assist for Lewandowski’s goal.
Substitutes & Manager
Robert Lewandowski (7/10)
Scored almost instantly after coming on, showing his killer instinct in front of goal.
Gavi (6/10)
Provided energy but couldn’t change the game much.
Eric Garcia (5/10)
Came on to shore up the defense but was unable to prevent Atletico’s late comeback.
Fermin Lopez (N/A)
Not enough time to impact the match.
Hansi Flick (6/10)
The German coach must be frustrated after his team threw away a two-goal lead twice. While Barcelona showed resilience to come back, they struggled defensively, leaving Flick with much to ponder ahead of the second leg.
Conclusion
Barcelona will be disappointed to have let Atletico back into the game, but they can take positives from the brilliant performances of Pedri and Lamine Yamal. With the second leg still to come, Hansi Flick’s men must tighten up defensively if they hope to reach the Copa del Rey final.
The feel good story you had to see. 🫶 pic.twitter.com/b8crPCSgEZ
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 26, 2025
FAQs
1. Who was Barcelona’s best player vs Atletico Madrid?
Pedri was Barcelona’s standout performer, scoring a goal and dictating play from midfield.
2. How did Lamine Yamal perform?
Lamine Yamal tormented Atletico’s defense and provided a brilliant assist for Lewandowski’s goal.
3. Why did Barcelona struggle defensively?
Barcelona’s defense was exposed on counterattacks, with Atletico exploiting spaces left behind.
4. When is the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final?
The return leg will be played at the Wanda Metropolitano, with the winner advancing to the final.
5. Can Barcelona still win the Copa del Rey?
Yes, but they must improve defensively and take their chances better to beat Atletico in the second leg.
Must Read: Ronaldo vs Messi is the best rivalry
Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo: Mitja Ilenic celebration, Shocking for Messi 2025 MLS