Atlético Madrid Secure Dominant Advantage in Copa del Rey Semi-Final
London, 15 February 2026 – Atlético Madrid have taken a significant step towards the Copa del Rey final following a clinical performance at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Diego Simeone’s side dismantled Barcelona in the first leg of their semi-final tie, securing a 4-0 victory that leaves the Catalan giants with a monumental task for the return leg at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Rampant Atleti Stun Barcelona
In a match defined by a “lightning start”, Atlético Madrid scored four times during a rampant first-half display on 12 February 2026. The victory was underpinned by a disciplined defensive performance and lethal counter-attacking football. New signing Ademola Lookman, who recently joined the club from Atalanta for a reported €35m, has already made an impact, featuring in the matchday squad and contributing to the club’s recent tactical evolution.
Despite the euphoria of the cup victory, the club faced a reality check in domestic league action. Just days after the Barcelona triumph, Atlético struggled in La Liga, reportedly trailing 2-0 in the first half of their subsequent fixture against Rayo Vallecano. This inconsistency has been a point of discussion among supporters, following a recent run that included a 5-2 win over Real Madrid followed by a failure to beat Celta Vigo.
Club Profile and Key Facts
Atlético Madrid remains one of the most successful clubs in Spanish football, consistently challenging the traditional duopoly of Real Madrid and Barcelona. The club currently plays its home fixtures at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, a world-class venue with a capacity exceeding 70,000.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Club Atlético de Madrid, S.A.D. |
| Stadium | Riyadh Air Metropolitano |
| Stadium Capacity | 70,692 |
| Major Titles | 34 |
| First Copa del Rey | 1959 |
| First European Trophy | 1962 (UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup) |
| Recent Signing | Ademola Lookman (€35m plus bonuses) |
Recent Transfer Activity
The winter and early February period has been active for the Colchoneros. Beyond the high-profile acquisition of Ademola Lookman, the club has confirmed the signing of American prospect Obed Vargas. Sporting Director Mateu Alemany is reportedly already preparing for the summer 2026 window, with a primary focus on strengthening the midfield, including ambitious links to Manchester City personnel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score in the recent match against Barcelona?
Atlético Madrid defeated Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final on 12 February 2026. All four goals were scored in the first half.
Who is Atlético Madrid’s newest signing?
The club recently announced the signing of Nigerian international Ademola Lookman from Atalanta on a contract running until June 2030. Additionally, Obed Vargas has joined the squad.
Where do Atlético Madrid play their home matches?
The club plays at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano (formerly known as the Wanda Metropolitano) in Madrid, which has a capacity of approximately 70,692 seats.
How many major trophies has the club won?
Atlético Madrid has amassed 34 major titles throughout its history, including multiple La Liga titles, Copa del Rey trophies, and European honours such as the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and the UEFA Europa League.