Atletico Madrid produced a devastating first-half display to thrash Barcelona 4-0 in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The emphatic victory at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium saw all four goals scored before halftime, highlighting Atleti's formidable attacking prowess under their new tactical setup.
First-Half Blitz Seals Dominant Win
The match was effectively decided in the opening 45 minutes, as Atletico Madrid unleashed a relentless assault on the Barcelona defence. An own goal from Eric Garcia in the 18th minute opened the floodgates, setting the tone for a chaotic period for the visitors.
Goal Scorers and Key Moments
Following the early setback, Antoine Griezmann doubled Atletico's lead with a clinical finish in the 25th minute, capitalising on a defensive error. Ademola Lookman then added a third just before the half-hour mark, showcasing his pace and precision. Julian Alvarez completed the rout with a well-taken strike in the 42nd minute, leaving Barcelona shell-shocked and unable to mount a response.
This defeat marks a significant setback for Barcelona, ending their impressive six-game winning streak across all competitions. The Catalan giants had been in strong form prior to this match, but were thoroughly outplayed by an Atletico side that executed their game plan to perfection.
Implications for the Second Leg
The second leg of this Copa del Rey semi-final is scheduled for March 3, 2026, at Barcelona's Camp Nou. With a four-goal deficit to overturn, Barcelona face a monumental challenge to keep their cup hopes alive. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, will be confident of securing their place in the final, given their commanding lead and recent form.
This result not only boosts Atletico's chances of silverware this season but also sends a strong message to their rivals about their renewed attacking threat. The performance underscores the team's evolution under their coaching staff, blending defensive solidity with explosive offensive play.
