Atletico Madrid scored all four goals before halftime to secure a stunning 4-0 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final, moving them tantalizingly close to a place in the final and claiming just their second win in 11 meetings against the Catalans.

The hosts started with intensity, as Giuliano Simeone had an early shot brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Joan García. However, six minutes in, García mishandled a back pass from Eric García, allowing the ball to trickle over the line and give Atlético the lead.

Despite Barcelona controlling early possession, Antoine Griezmann made the most of space in the 15th minute, slotting a low left-footed finish to make it 2-0. Barça then hit the woodwork through Fermín López, and Julián Alvarez saw a shot cleared off the line by Jules Koundé.

Atlético continued to threaten and extended their lead when Ademola Lookman finished a swift counterattack, and in stoppage time of the first half, Alvarez scored from the edge of the area for his first goal since early December — marking only the second time since 2004/05 that Barcelona had conceded four goals before halftime.

Barcelona’s struggles continued after the break. Juan Musso made a save from Fermín, and a VAR review saw Pau Cubarsí’s goal ruled out for offside after eight minutes. Eric García was later sent off for a professional foul, further compounding the visitors’ misery.

Atlético eased off in the closing stages, celebrating a historic victory — their first Copa del Rey win over Barcelona in nine attempts (L6, D2). The result also marked Hansi Flick’s first defeat in the competition and dealt a major blow to Barcelona’s hopes of claiming a 33rd Copa del Rey title.