Atletico Madrid delivered a stunning performance, dominating Barca with a 4-0 victory in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final at Metropolitano Stadium on the evening of 12/2. Coach Diego Simeone's side scored four goals in the first half, overwhelming the La Liga leaders and reigning Copa del Rey champions. Barca, weakened by the absence of Raphinha and Marcus Rashford, appeared to lose confidence and made numerous errors, with the score potentially higher had Atletico capitalized on all opportunities.

Barca's downfall began early with a comical error in the seventh minute. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia allowed the ball to slip through his legs after a back pass from Eric Garcia, resulting in an own goal.

Barca's goalkeeper made a mistake leading to the first goal in their 0-4 rout at Atletico's home ground in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on the evening of 12/2. Reuters

Barca's goalkeeper made a mistake leading to the first goal in their 0-4 rout at Atletico's home ground in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on the evening of 12/2. Reuters

Joan Garcia's "gift" galvanized Atletico. The Metropolitano hosts immediately exploited their advantage, pressing relentlessly and preventing Barca from recovering. In the 16th minute, Antoine Griezmann doubled the lead with a low shot into the far corner. The visitors protested that home forward Ademola Lookman was offside at the start of the play, but referee Martinez Munuera allowed the goal.

Barca responded after conceding two goals with Fermin Lopez's volley hitting the crossbar. However, after this missed opportunity, the La Liga leaders were pushed back. Atletico continued to build attacks effectively, exploiting gaps and forcing errors from their opponents.

In the 33rd minute, the third goal arrived for the home side. Receiving a pass from Julian Alvarez, Lookman surged forward and fired a low shot into the far corner. Metropolitano Stadium erupted again with cheers from tens of thousands of fans.

Lookman celebrates a goal during Atletico's 4-0 victory over Barca in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on the evening of 12/2. AFP

Lookman celebrates a goal during Atletico's 4-0 victory over Barca in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on the evening of 12/2. AFP

Barca replaced midfielder Marc Casado with forward Robert Lewandowski immediately after the third goal, but the situation did not improve. The visitors' most dangerous "spark," Lamine Yamal, struggled against the tight marking of David Hancko, Matteo Ruggeri, and Marcos Llorente.

In the 45+2 minute, Alvarez sealed an early victory. The Argentine forward received a pass from Lookman at the edge of the penalty area and struck a powerful right-footed shot past Barca's goalkeeper. This goal also ended Alvarez's 11-match goalless streak.

Despite a lackluster first half, Barca regained some composure. However, they lacked the fortune to score. The referee disallowed a goal for Pau Cubarsi following a scramble in the penalty area in the 52nd minute. He and the video assistant referee (VAR) team spent five minutes concluding that Lewandowski was offside by only a few millimeters.

The second half saw a more contested game. Atletico appeared content with their four-goal lead, while Barca's hurried attacks failed to penetrate the opponent's solid defense. In the 85th minute, Barca were reduced to ten men when Eric Garcia received a direct red card. The referee initially showed a yellow card but changed his decision after reviewing the screen.

Eric Garcia reacts after receiving a direct red card during Atletico's 4-0 victory over Barca in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on the evening of 12/2. AFP

Eric Garcia reacts after receiving a direct red card during Atletico's 4-0 victory over Barca in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on the evening of 12/2. AFP

Playing with ten men against 11, Barca nearly conceded a fifth goal when Alexander Sorloth drove comfortably towards the net before being stopped by Jules Kounde.

With this dominant 4-0 home victory, Atletico has all but secured a spot in the final. The two teams will meet again for the second leg at Camp Nou on 3/3, but Barca must overcome a four-goal deficit within 90 minutes to level the score.

By Thanh Quy