Atletico Madrid thrashed Copa del Rey holders Barcelona 4-0 on Thursday in the first leg of their semi-final tie, seizing full control ahead of the return fixture.
Diego Simeone’s side took an early lead through an Eric Garcia own goal before Antoine Griezmann, Ademola Lookman and Julian Alvarez struck to cap a devastating first-half performance and hand Atletico a commanding advantage by the break.
Barcelona’s woes deepened late on when Garcia was sent off, compounding a miserable night for the record 32-time Copa del Rey winners.
Atletico will now carry their emphatic lead into the second leg at Camp Nou on March 3.
AFP
