Atlético Madrid, after racing to a two-goal lead just six minutes into the match and then trailing 4-2 moments before the final whistle, managed to secure a thrilling 4-4 draw against FC Barcelona on Tuesday in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final.
Norwegian substitute Alexander Sørloth, who had previously scored a stoppage-time goal to clinch a Liga victory for the Colchoneros at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuïc last December (2-1), found the net again in the 93rd minute to avert defeat and keep his team’s hopes of qualification alive in a captivating encounter.
The Catalans were initially stunned when Argentinian Julian Alvarez opened the scoring in the very first minute (1-0), followed by French forward Antoine Griezmann doubling the lead just six minutes later (2-0). However, Barça quickly responded, netting three goals within twenty minutes, beginning with playmaker Pedri in the 19th minute (2-1), followed by central defenders Pau Cubarsi (21st minute, 2-2) and Iñigo Martínez (41st minute, 3-2).
Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who had just come on as a substitute, extended Barcelona’s lead in the second half (74th minute, 4-2). Nonetheless, Spanish midfielder Marcos Llorente reignited the suspense with a goal in the 84th minute (4-3), before Sørloth delivered a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time (90+3 minutes, 4-4).
The two teams are set to meet again at the Metropolitano on April 2 for the return leg, both vying for a place in the final.
