Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman, scored for his side as Atletico Madrid breezed through La Liga 2025/26 toppers, Barcelona, 4-0, in the Copa Del Rey 2025/26 semi final first leg on Thursday 12 February, 2026 at Metropolitano.
The Mattress Makers produced an excellent performance to douse Hansi Flick’s Catalans and record a huge first leg advantage, scoring four (4) times in the first half.
The night was so bad for the visitors to the extent they had a goal by Pau Cubarsi chalked off by Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the 52nd minute for offside.
The victory on home soil was Manager Diego Simeone’s revenge as they made light work of their visitors in the city of Madrid.
Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are meeting for the second time in many years at this stage of the tournament; Barcelona won last year’s encounter as they headed on to lift the trophy for a record 32nd time.
In the 6th minute, Atletico went in front after Barca’s Eric Garcia’s backpass to Joan Garcia rolled through under the foot of the Catalans goalkeeper; it was a gift to the hosts as the night continued to get worse for Flick’s side.
And, in the 14th minute, Frenchman, Antoine Griezmann, netted the second for the hosts from Molina’s assist with a finely curled effort.
After Griezmann’s goal, the Madrid-based club looked more dangerous as they took full charge of the showdown, and almost netted with every attack.
Barcelona’s effort through Fermin Lopez struck the woodwork, it was a rare goal chance as Atletico forged ahead for more goals.
The third goal came in the 33rd minute after Giuliano Simeone, son of Atletico Argentine manager, Diego Simeone, released to former Manchester City forward, Julian Alvarez, who then provided for Super Eagles forward, Lookman, who found the back of the net to record his second goal for his new club.
Lookman joined Atletico Madrid from Italian Serie A club, Atalanta, after helping the La Dea defeat Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the final to win the Uefa Europa League 2023/24; the Nigerian sensation netted a hat-trick to take Gian Piero Gasperini’s side to glory.
The Nigeria international then returned the favour and provided for Alvarez, who made it four (4) for Atletico in the 2nd minute of first half additional time.
The misery burgeoned for Barcelona as Cubarsi thought he had pulled one back for the visitors, only for his effort to be disallowed by VAR; and in the 85th minute defender, Eric Garcia, was sent off after receiving a straight red card.
Garcia was sent off following his foul on Alex Baena, who had already charged though towards goal.
Barcelona will welcome Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou for the second leg of their Copa Del Rey semi final tie on 2 March, 2026.
Photo: Ademola Lookman scores the third for Atletico Madrid in the Copa Del Rey semi final first leg match at Metropolitano on Thursday | Angel Martinez/Getty Images
