In a Copa del Rey semifinal first leg that will be remembered for years to come, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona battled to a 4-4 draw on Tuesday. The match was a rollercoaster from the start, with Atletico Madrid jumping out to a two-goal lead within the first six minutes. Barcelona then roared back with four unanswered goals, only for Atletico to score twice more and level the score in the 93rd minute thanks to Alexander Soloroth, securing a dramatic draw.
Raphinha was instrumental for Barcelona, providing two assists, while their center backs also contributed with goals. Julan Alvarez mirrored this performance for Atletico with a goal and an assist. While the attacking stars shone brightly, both defenses struggled to contain the opposition. Atletico’s late equalizer gives them a psychological advantage heading into the second leg, which will be played in Madrid on April 2. This result is a setback for Barcelona, who have otherwise been enjoying a strong season under Hansi Flick.
Atletico Madrid’s wing-backs, Giuliano Simeone and Javi Galan, found it difficult to contain Barcelona’s dynamic attack. When Barcelona’s offense, led by the in-form Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, is in full flow, they are among the most dangerous in the world.
Diego Simeone responded to Barcelona’s comeback by bringing on Nahuel Molina, Soloroth, and Angel Correa, a move that paid off as Atletico continued to push forward. This tactical flexibility has been a key part of Atletico’s improvement this season, helping them compete at the top of La Liga and reach the Champions League last 16.
Raphinha’s Ballon d’Or Contention
Raphinha’s two assists in this match further fuel the debate about his Ballon d’Or credentials, placing him in competition with Mohamed Salah. Raphinha now boasts 24 goals and 18 assists across all competitions, while Salah has a formidable 30 goals and 21 assists. Despite Salah’s statistical lead, their potential Champions League encounters could be decisive in determining who gains the upper hand in the Ballon d’Or race.
Like Salah, Raphinha has proven to be a game-changer for Barcelona, capable of pulling them back from deficits. However, as this match demonstrates, Barcelona’s defense may not be reliable enough to carry them through the season, placing even more importance on their attacking prowess.
Defensive Concerns
Barcelona’s high defensive line has been a double-edged sword this season. Wojciech Szczesny, deputizing for the injured Marc Andre ter Stegen, has not consistently provided the stability needed in goal. This vulnerability is often exposed against top-tier teams like Atletico, even if it’s less of a problem against weaker La Liga opponents.
Atletico Madrid effectively exploited these defensive weaknesses in their comeback, setting up a highly anticipated second leg in Madrid. While Atletico’s defense also had its lapses in this match, their potent attack, bolstered by the summer acquisition of Alvarez, can often compensate for defensive shortcomings.
Looking Ahead
Both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will now turn their attention back to La Liga this weekend, but the upcoming Champions League fixtures will also be on their minds. Barcelona will travel to face Benfica on March 5, while Atletico Madrid will face Real Madrid in a Madrid derby on March 4. The outcomes of these Champions League round of 16 ties could significantly increase the stakes for the Copa Del Rey second leg.
