Atlético Madrid dealt a near-fatal blow in the Copa del Rey semi-finals by thrashing Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg. According to the Argentine News Agency, Diego Simeone's team delivered a commanding performance, especially in a high-level first half, leaving their rivals in a very difficult position ahead of the return leg. The Madrid side imposed their conditions from the start. In the 3rd minute, Antoine Griezmann played a precise pass to Giuliano Simeone, who found himself one-on-one, but Joan García reacted quickly and turned the shot behind for a corner. It was a sign of what was to come, and in an unusual incident in the 6th minute, Eric García tried to pass back to his goalkeeper, but Joan García, attempting to clear, ended up putting the ball into his own net. The superiority was clear. Fermín López had a chance to pull one back with a half-volley that hit the crossbar, but the territorial and psychological dominance belonged to the home side. Before halftime, Simeone's team extended their lead. The blow completely deactivated the visitors, who lost intensity and suffered the expulsion of Eric García in the final stages.
