Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman scored as Atletico Madrid delivered a stunning 4-0 victory over Copa del Rey holders Barcelona in the first leg of their semi-final clash at the Metropolitano Stadium on Thursday. An Eric Garcia own goal opened the scoring, followed by strikes from Antoine Griezmann, Lookman, and Julian Alvarez, ending the Argentine’s 11-match goal drought—all before half-time.
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Barcelona’s Garcia was sent off late in the second half. The dominant display gives Atletico a commanding advantage ahead of the March 3 second leg at Camp Nou. Real Sociedad holds a 1-0 lead over Athletic Bilbao in the other semi-final.
Key Points:
Lookman’s goal continues his impressive debut season in Spain, enhancing his status as a key attacking asset.
Atletico’s emphatic victory puts them on the brink of their first Copa final since 2013.
Lookman gains confidence and visibility, while Barcelona face a monumental comeback challenge.
This signals Atletico’s serious intent to secure silverware, prioritising the Copa amid league and Champions League struggles.
The timing, with a three-week gap before the second leg, allows Barcelona to regroup but also Atletico to savour the advantage.
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Atletico are firm favourites to reach the final, though Barcelona’s comeback pedigree at Camp Nou means the tie is not yet mathematically settled.
Sources: AFP, Vanguard