barcelona vs atlético madrid: What a night of drama in Madrid! On February 12, 2026, Atlético Madrid delivered one of the biggest surprises of the season by hammering FC Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. It was a game that started with chaos and never let up for the visitors.
The trouble began early for Barcelona. Just six minutes in, an own goal from Eric García put Atlético ahead after a corner. From there, Diego Simeone's side smelled blood. Antoine Griezmann made it 2-0 in the 13th minute with a cool finish, then Ademola Lookman added a third around the 32nd mark. Right before halftime, Julián Álvarez sealed the deal with a fourth, capping a nightmare first 45 for Hansi Flick's team.
Barcelona barely got a foothold. Their high defensive line got torn apart by Atlético's quick counters, and they struggled to create real chances. A late effort from Pau Cubarsí was ruled out for offside after a long VAR check, and things got worse when Eric García saw red in the closing minutes. It was a performance many are calling the worst of the Flick era so far.
Atlético fans are over the moon. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) are full of pride, with users calling it a "statement win" and praising Simeone's tactics. One fan tweeted about the "pure Atleti DNA: disciplined, ruthless, and fearless." On Instagram and Facebook, highlight reels of the goals are blowing up, with comments like "Atleti just embarrassed the leaders!" LinkedIn has pros from sports management sharing breakdowns of how Atlético's intensity turned the tie on its head.
Barcelona supporters are in shock but hopeful. Hansi Flick stayed positive after the match, saying his side can fight back and needs the Camp Nou crowd roaring for the second leg on March 3. "We are capable of coming back, " he told reporters.
QNA
Where to watch Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid live stream free?
Free streams are available on ITVX (UK-based, use VPN if outside UK) for the Copa del Rey clash. Avoid unofficial sites to prevent risks and support legal viewing.
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid prediction who will win?
Barcelona is often tipped to edge it with better recent results and attacking depth. Atletico's defense makes it close, but experts lean toward Barca victory in the tie.
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid next match date and time?
The recent Copa del Rey first leg was February 12, 2026 (Atletico won 4-0). The return leg is March 3, 2026 at Camp Nou; check official schedules for exact kickoff.
Social media echoes that—some Barça fans on X are already talking about historic comebacks, though most admit it's a huge mountain to climb. Four goals needed at home? It's tough, but football has seen crazier things.
This result shakes up the Copa del Rey race. Atlético are now huge favorites to reach the final against either Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao. For Barcelona, it's a wake-up call. Their La Liga lead might be safe, but this loss exposes cracks that opponents will target.
The football world is still talking about it. From ESPN breakdowns to fan threads on X dissecting every goal, the buzz is real. Atlético showed why they're dangerous, and Barcelona will need magic in the return leg to keep their cup dreams alive.