Atletico Madrid and Barcelona delivered a football rollercoaster in a wild Copa del Rey semifinal opener, ending in an electrifying 4-4 draw! 🎢⚽
The match kicked off with Diego Simeone’s Atletico scoring early through Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann, putting them ahead 2-0 in the first six minutes. But Barcelona wasn’t backing down. Coach Hansi Flick made a bold move by leaving star striker Robert Lewandowski out and bringing in Ferran Torres as a false nine, changing the game dynamics at Lluis Companys Stadium.
Barcelona fired back with goals from Pedri, Pau Cubarsi, and Inigo Martinez, making it 3-2. Atletico wasn't done yet! Marcos Llorente brought them back to 3-3 before Alexander Sørloth scored a last-minute goal in the 93rd minute, tying it at 4-4. The drama continues as the tie heads to the second leg at Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium on April 2.
Diego Simeone shared his excitement: \"It was crazy, a lot of goals, we knew it wouldn't be easy against one of the best teams in Europe, they've proved that. We did our work too though, and there's 90 minutes to go. We have to continue on this path.\"
Next up on Wednesday, Real Madrid takes on Real Sociedad in another thrilling semifinal opener!
Stay tuned for more heart-stopping moments from the Copa del Rey! 🔥🏆
Reference(s):
Atletico and Barca split eight goals in Copa del Rey semifinal opener
cgtn.com
