Atlético Madrid Crush Barcelona 4-0 in Copa del Rey Semifinal First Leg

Atlético Madrid delivered a dominant performance to thrash Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal on February 12, 2026, at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The Colchoneros stunned the holders with a blistering first-half display that all but sealed their place in the final.

The rout began early when Eric García deflected a cross into his own net in the 7th minute. Antoine Griezmann doubled the lead just seven minutes later with a clinical finish, capitalizing on Atlético's swift counter-attacks. Ademola Lookman, the recent signing from Atalanta, added a third in the 33rd minute after combining brilliantly in attack, showcasing his seamless adaptation to Diego Simeone's system. Julián Álvarez capped the half with a fourth goal in first-half stoppage time (45+2'), making it 4-0 before the break.

Barcelona struggled defensively throughout, exposed by Atlético's high pressing and rapid transitions. Eric García received a red card late in the game (86th minute), compounding the visitors' misery. Hansi Flick called the defeat a "wake-up call," insisting his side could still mount a comeback in the March 3 return leg at Camp Nou.

Simeone praised his team's "electric energy" and belief. With a four-goal cushion, Atlético now stand as strong favorites to reach the Copa del Rey final against the winner of Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao. The result highlights Barcelona's vulnerabilities despite their La Liga form, while underlining Atlético's resurgence under Simeone.