Barça-Atlético (4-4): a whirlwind of madness and a still in suspense qualification

Certain matches escape logic, defy reason and sculpt their own story, between genius bursts and cruelty of fate. This semi-final go between FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid belongs to this category. A spectacular 4-4, cascading lifts and a outcome worthy of a suspense film. The qualification will be played in Metropolitano, but this match will remain in the memories.

A barça taken short, a sharp Atlético

The start surprised everyone, including Barcelona. Atlético, often perceived as a defensive fortress, has chosen to strike quickly and strong. Julián Álvarez launched hostilities from the first minute, forcing Szczęsny to an emergency parade. The warning was not enough: on the corner that followed, Griezmann distilled a perfect center for Lenglet, whose delivery of the head allowed Álvarez to open the scoring.

Barça did not have time to resume its minds. Barely ten minutes later, Griezmann doubled the bet, operating a loss of ball from Koundé and an offering from Álvarez. In the stands, Montjuïc supporters were dumbfounded: their team sank without even having time to exist.

Catalan revolt, a festival before the break

If there is one thing that this Barça knows how to do under Hansi Flick, it is never to give up. Lamine Yamal sounded the waking time, multiplying the breakthroughs on his right side and putting Javi Galán torture. It was he who started the return by offering a perfect ball to Koundé, whose retreat center allowed Pedri to relaunch his own (24th).

From then on, the Catalan compressor roller started. In ten minutes, everything had to be redone. Cubarsí equalized with a clear whim on a corner, dominating Barrios in the air. And while Atlético struggled to contain the blaugranas waves, Iñigo Martínez completed the rise before the break (3-2), on another stopped kick booted by Raphinha.

An exchange of blows, then the final chaos

After the Catalan hurricane of the first act, the second period turned into a pulled knife duel. Lewandowski believed to seal the Barcelona victory in the 56th minute, exploiting a new brilliant action by Lamine Yamal to score the fourth goal. But Atlético has character. Marcos Llorente reduced the gap in a sharp action (75th), restoring hope to his family.

While Barça thought he was making his success, fate was fierce. Koundé slipped in additional time, offering Sorlow a golden opportunity. The Norwegian was not asked to crucify Barça and offer Atlético an unexpected equalization. 4-4, as an echo in the scenario of their last confrontation in Liga.

The qualification will be played in Madrid (April 2), and a certainty remains: this Barça-Atlético, more than a simple match, offered a show that will mark the season.