Atlético Madrid produced a dominant display in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Barcelona, securing a commanding 4-0 advantage at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on February 12, 2026.
This emphatic result leaves Diego Simeone’s side in pole position to reach the final, with Barcelona facing an uphill battle in the return leg at Camp Nou.
The hosts struck early and ruthlessly, opening the scoring in the 6th minute through a fortuitous own goal by Barcelona’s Joan García following a defensive mishap.
Antoine Griezmann made it 2-0 in the 14th minute with a clinical finish assisted by Nahuel Molina, before the spotlight turned to Ademola Lookman.
The Nigerian forward, who joined Atlético from Atalanta earlier this month, has been in scintillating form since his arrival.
His presence has injected pace, unpredictability, and flair into Simeone’s traditionally disciplined setup, providing the attacking spark many felt was missing.
Lookman showcased his quality once again in the 33rd minute, slotting home the third goal after a clever involvement from Julián Álvarez.
His movement, dribbling, and composure in tight spaces unsettled Barcelona’s defense throughout, and he capped an outstanding first-half performance by assisting Álvarez’s fourth goal in stoppage time (45+2′).
Lookman’s immediate impact—scoring and creating chances in high-stakes matches—has revitalized Atlético’s forward line.
His ability to beat defenders, deliver key passes, and finish clinically has brought a new dimension of creativity and threat, helping the team transition from solid defense to potent counter-attacks.
Fans and analysts alike have noted how his “clever unpredictability” is breathing fresh life into the squad, potentially paving the way for their first trophy in years.
The second half remained goalless, with Atlético managing the game smartly through substitutions—including Thiago Almada replacing Lookman—and Barcelona unable to breach the hosts’ resolute backline.
A late offside call denied Pau Cubarsí a consolation, while bookings for players on both sides reflected the fixture’s intensity.
This first-leg masterclass puts Atlético firmly in control of the tie.
With Lookman’s distinguished contributions highlighting his seamless adaptation and transformative influence, Simeone’s men look poised to advance and challenge for Copa del Rey glory.
Barcelona will need a miraculous turnaround to keep their hopes alive.
