Imagine this: a clash between two of Spain's most storied football clubs, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, turning into an adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster at the Copa del Rey semifinals. It was nothing short of epic as both teams battled it out in what can only be described as an unforgettable 4-4 draw.

The match kicked off with a seismic shift that had fans on their feet. Atlético Madrid, seemingly set to dominate, took an early lead by netting two goals within the first six minutes — Julián Álvarez striking just after kickoff and Antoine Griezmann soon following. However, in classic football fashion, Barcelona refused to bow down easily.

By the 21st minute, Pedri and Pau Cubarsí had not only erased Atlético's lead but propelled Barcelona into a surprising 2-1 advantage. As the first half neared its conclusion, Iñigo Martínez of Atlético snatched another goal for his team at the 41st minute mark, yet it wasn't enough to regain control.

The second half saw Barcelona extending their lead through Robert Lewandowski in the 74th minute, setting the stage for a dramatic finale. Marcos Llorente pulled one back for Atlético in the 84th, but the real suspense came right at the end of stoppage time when substitute Alexander Sorloth equalized, leaving fans and players alike breathless.

As both teams prepare for the second leg at Atlético's Metropolitano Stadium next April, anticipation is sky-high. The victor will face either Real Madrid or Real Sociedad, adding another layer of excitement to Spain's premier knockout competition. Last won by Barcelona in 2021 and Atlético in 2013, this year's Copa del Rey promises more drama.

Reflecting on their last encounter, a narrow 2-1 win for Atlético in December, it’s clear that these teams have the resilience and skill to make every match an unforgettable spectacle. Stay tuned as this thrilling rivalry continues to unfold!

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