The first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final between FC and Atlético de Madrid took place at the Estadio Olímpico de Montjuic, providing an exciting spectacle for football fans. With the return leg taking place at Riyadh Air Metropolitano, everything is still very balanced. Despite an impressive start from coach Cholo Simeone’s side at home to the Blaugranas, Hansi Flick’s side showed remarkable resilience to reverse the situation. This first chapter of the semi-finals paved the way for either team to progress to the final of the tournament, with the next chapter scheduled for April 2.

The Colchoneros started the match at a breakneck pace, building a 0-1 advantage in just under a minute. Atlético took a short corner, and after a touch from Lenglet, Julián Álvarez finished close at the far post. Just five minutes later, in the 6th minute, the advantage was doubled to 0-2, thanks to Antoine Griezmann, who scored with assistance from ‘La Araña’, taking advantage of the ‘Stranger’s Rule’. Although the outlook was not bright for Flick’s team, hope was revived in the 19th minute when Pedri scored, with an assist from Jules Koundé, reducing the score to 1-2. Just two minutes later, Pau Cubarsí leveled the scores at 2-2 with a well-placed header from Raphinha’s cross, sending the Estadio Olímpico into a frenzy.