Atletico Madrid demolish Barcelona in Copa del Rey semi-final opener

Atletico Madrid delivered a stunning 4-0 victory over Copa del Rey champions Barcelona on Thursday in the opening leg of their semi-final encounter.

The scoring began early with an own goal by Eric Garcia, putting Diego Simeone's team in front, followed by strikes from Antoine Griezmann, Ademola Lookman, and Julian Alvarez, securing a commanding advantage by the break.

Barcelona's defender Garcia received a red card late in the match, leaving Atletico with a substantial edge against the 32-time title holders, which they carry forward to the return fixture at Camp Nou on March 3.

Both teams squandered opportunities after the interval, including a disallowed goal for Barcelona's Pau Cubarsi prior to Garcia's dismissal towards the end.

Atletico successfully defended their hefty lead against the record 32-time champions, setting up an intriguing second leg at Camp Nou on March 3.

"The opening 45 minutes served as a valuable lesson for our squad. It's beneficial to learn such things at the opportune time, and perhaps today marked that moment," Hansi Flick shared with journalists.

"We improved markedly in the latter period and with another match ahead, we intend to compete fiercely to secure victory."

Trailing in La Liga and lacking the form expected for a deep Champions League run, the Copa del Rey stands as Atletico's prime opportunity for a trophy this campaign.

Fuelled by that drive, the Rojiblancos produced their finest display of the season, utterly overpowering the Spanish title holders in the initial half, much to the delight of the supporters.

"Our supporters crave performances like this; they have supported us tirelessly over the years, always present, and they deserve these pivotal encounters," Simeone remarked.

"We dominated the first half, interpreting the play astutely, remaining composed and sharp in the attacking zones."

The home side opened the scoring just seven minutes in, as Garcia's misplaced pass on the bumpy Metropolitano surface trickled past Joan Garcia and beneath the keeper into the goal.

Ex-Barcelona forward Griezmann netted the second by sliding the ball past the keeper, with Atletico exploiting the Catalans' advanced backline through the speed of Giuliano Simeone and Lookman.

Fermin Lopez struck the bar for Barcelona, yet the momentum favoured Atletico overwhelmingly, nearly extending their lead when Alvarez's shot was blocked on the line by Jules Kounde.

Eventually, Nigerian winger Lookman converted the third following a superb collective effort, prompting ecstatic Atletico manager Simeone to sprint along the sideline in jubilation.

Alvarez breaks his scoring slump

After urging his players all season to finish more decisively, the Argentine forward's persistence paid off spectacularly.

Alvarez, goalless in his previous 11 outings, finally found the net for Atletico's fourth, blasting it in from near the penalty spot.

"Everyone recognises Julian's vital role in our setup; he proved it last year," commented Atletico's Marcos Llorente.

"I'm delighted for his strike; it should ease some pressure on him."

Goalkeeper Juan Musso made a strong stop from Lopez to ensure a shutout at halftime.

Barcelona believed they had narrowed the gap post-interval when Pau Cubarsi scored, but a prolonged VAR check ruled it out for offside.

"I'd like clarity on the offside decision," Flick told Movistar. "I'm unsure what the officials identified."

In the closing minutes, the league frontrunners' evening deteriorated further as Eric Garcia earned a sending-off for tripping Alex Baena during a breakaway.

Ferran Torres's errant distribution left his colleague exposed, resulting in the reckless challenge on the Atletico midfielder.

Alexander Sorloth and Torres wasted additional openings at opposite ends, maintaining the match's intense rhythm right through.

Flick noted that Atletico's squad displayed greater resolve.

"Observing Atletico's players, they showed more desire and eagerness to find the net, which is exactly what I demand from the outset. In the first half, we failed to exhibit that," the German manager reflected.

On Wednesday, Real Sociedad edged Athletic Bilbao 1-0 in the initial leg of the alternate semi-final matchup.