Atlético Madrid delivered a ruthless first-leg statement in the Copa del Rey semi-final, hammering holders FC Barcelona 4–0 on Thursday night. Diego Simeone’s men struck early and never looked back, leaving the 32-time Copa del Rey champions stunned and facing a mountain to climb ahead of the return leg. Barcelona’s nightmare began when defender Eric García inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, handing Atletico the breakthrough advantage. From there, it was one-way traffic. Former Barcelona star Antoine Griezmann doubled the lead before Nigerian international Ademola Lookman added a third, continuing his impressive form in Spain. Julián Álvarez then completed the first-half demolition, ensuring Atletico went into the break with a commanding four-goal cushion. Things worsene...