Atletico Madrid Stages Remarkable Comeback to Earn Draw in Eight-Goal Cup Clash Against Barcelona

Atletico Madrid and Barcelona engaged in a Copa del Rey thriller, with both teams relinquishing two-goal advantages to settle for a dramatic 4-4 draw in the first leg. Barcelona’s 14th consecutive unbeaten match sets the stage perfectly for the upcoming second leg.

The match commenced with both clubs fiercely competing for the title, and Atletico quickly stunned their hosts by scoring within the first minute.

Antoine Griezmann delivered a cross into the box that was flicked on by Clement Lenglet to Julian Alvarez, who was on hand to nudge the ball into the net.

The Argentine forward turned into a playmaker moments later, intercepting the ball in Barca’s half before threading a brilliant pass for Griezmann, who calmly slotted it past Wojciech Szczesny.

The response from Hansi Flick’s men was impressive, showcasing their determination after conceding two goals within a swift six minutes.

In the 19th minute, Pedri found the net with a precise shot into the bottom right corner after receiving a cutback from Jules Kounde. Just under two minutes later, Pau Cubarsi equalised for the home side with a nod in from Raphinha’s corner.

Barcelona closed out a superb first half by repeating their earlier goal, as Inigo Martinez headed home Raphinha’s corner just before the break.

Atletico returned from halftime with renewed energy and nearly equalised early in the second half. Rodrigo De Paul played a delightful ball that found Griezmann, but his effort was thwarted by Szczesny.

Lamine Yamal, who had a quieter than usual match, thought he had earned a penalty just before the hour mark after being toppled in the box, but his protests were dismissed.

Los Colchoneros posed a threat on the counter against Barcelona’s high defensive line and thought they had pulled level midway through the second half. Angel Correa made a clever run, setting up Marcos Llorente, who teed up Alexander Sorloth for a finish, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. In a twist of fate, Flick’s side quickly retaliated to secure their fourth goal.

Yamal produced a brilliant solo run through the Atletico defence, setting up substitute Robert Lewandowski to tap the ball into an unguarded net.

However, the thrill of the match was not over, as Llorente pulled one back for Atleti with a strike into the far corner, intensifying the anticipation for the second leg.

The evening concluded with Sorloth stunning the Barcelona supporters by netting a stoppage-time equaliser.

Although the return leg is scheduled for April, the clubs will meet again in La Liga beforehand, promising another compelling clash.