Maybe it was the best example of losing control at the moment as Barcelona endured a disastrous evening in Madrid, losing 4-0 to Atlético in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. From the first whistle of the match, Atlético looked sharper.
Mistakes at the back and struggles to keep early possession proved costly for Barca. They never truly recovered after falling behind. By full-time, the scoreline reflected the difference between the two sides.
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Defensive mistakes prove costly
Barcelona’s defence had a night to forget. Atlético took full advantage of loose marking and slow reactions and turned it into Hansi Flick's worst assignment in the last 21 years. The midfield also failed to provide protection, allowing Atlético to attack quickly and directly. Every time Barça tried to build momentum, they were disrupted and pushed back. A series of problems throughout the game dismantled Barca's game.
Barca to face huge challenge
Atlético now hold a commanding four-goal lead heading into the second leg.
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Their ruthless scoring began in the 6th minute when Eric Garcia turned the ball into his own net under pressure. Antoine Griezmann doubled the lead in the 14th minute with a sharp finish. After that, Ademola Lookman made it three in the 33rd minute, and Julián Álvarez capped the dominant half with a goal in first-half stoppage time.
Barcelona will need something special to turn this tie around.
