Sorloth Strikes Late As Atletico Madrid Hold Barcelona In Eight-Goal Thriller.
Alexander Sorloth’s stoppage-time equaliser sealed a dramatic 4-4 draw between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Tuesday.
The pulsating encounter saw both sides exchange control, with former Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez stunning the hosts after just 50 seconds. Moments later, ex-Barcelona star Antoine Griezmann doubled Atletico’s lead, leaving Hansi Flick’s team reeling.
However, Barcelona responded swiftly. Pedri halved the deficit with a composed finish before Pau Cubarsí levelled with a header from Raphinha’s corner inside 19 minutes. The Catalans completed the first-half turnaround when Iñigo Martínez headed home, sending the Spotify Camp Nou into raptures.
In the second half, Robert Lewandowski extended Barcelona’s lead after Lamine Yamal’s dazzling run, seemingly putting the hosts in control. But Diego Simeone’s side refused to back down.
With the game slipping away, Marcos Llorente pulled one back for Atletico, setting up a tense finale. Then, in the third minute of added time, Samuel Lino broke behind Barcelona’s defence and squared the ball to Sorloth, who made no mistake in snatching a last-gasp equaliser.
The thrilling contest leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg in April, where both sides will battle for a place in the Copa del Rey final.
